Georgia: Journalists Injured During Tbilisi Protest on October 4
October 9, 2025
Outrage as Taliban Bars Female Journalists from Delhi Press Event
October 10, 2025
October 09, 2025 – China –
The Beijing High Court has postponed a decision on the appeal of veteran journalist Dong Yuyu, who was sentenced to seven years in prison on espionage charges—drawing fresh criticism from press freedom groups.
Dong, 63, once an editor and columnist at the state-run Guangming Daily, was detained in February 2022 while dining with a Japanese diplomat. He was convicted in November 2024 and filed an appeal in December of the same year.
Originally, the court was expected to deliver a ruling by early May. That deadline has already been extended twice—first to October 13, and now further delayed to January 13, 2026, according to Dong’s family. Many see this pattern of delays as deeply suspect.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has strongly condemned the postponement, calling it an attempt to prolong Dong’s detention without proper review. CPJ urges Chinese authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.
Dong’s son, Yifu, described the espionage conviction as “purely political” and accused the state of lacking credible evidence. He also views the repeated delays as part of a tactic to suppress dissenting voices.
Analysts note that China has increasingly used national security laws and espionage charges to harass or silence journalists. With at least 52 journalists currently jailed, China remains at the top of global press freedom watchlists.
The case against Dong Yuyu carries broader implications: it signals warning to journalists and intellectuals about the risks of engaging with foreign actors and promotes self-censorship. As the world watches, the extended delay raises questions about the integrity of China’s judicial process in politically sensitive cases.
References –
https://cpj.org/2025/10/chinese-court-delays-ruling-on-appeal-of-jailed-journalist-dong-yuyu/
