Friends and rights groups worry for Chinese #MeToo activist’s life after jail

Friends and rights organizations are deeply concerned for the safety of Chinese #MeToo activist Sophia Huang Xueqin following her recent sentencing to five years in prison. Huang, a journalist, has been behind bars since 2021, having been detained alongside labor activist Wang Jianbing for co-organizing social issue discussions and sharing photos using the hashtag #MeToo on social media.

A Chinese court ruled that the pair had "incited participants' dissatisfaction with Chinese state power under the pretext of discussing social issues."

Huang has endured harsh conditions in detention, including solitary confinement, significant weight loss, and disrupted menstrual cycles, according to her supporters. Amnesty International has warned that Huang will face ongoing restrictions after her release, such as the loss of political rights for four years, a common practice for human rights defenders and journalists in China.

Rio, a friend of Huang's who spoke to AFP from the United States, described their weekly group discussions as a safe space where they could openly share their thoughts on a wide range of social issues. He expressed his worry that Huang will be unable to exercise her freedom of expression once she is released, as she will be deprived of her political rights. Rio emphasized the importance of Huang's ability to express herself freely online, fearing that she may face heavy monitoring.

During her detention, Huang was arrested just before she was scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom for studies, causing shock among her friends. Despite the heavy burden she will likely face upon her release, Rio hopes that Huang will prioritize her physical and mental well-being. Friends of Huang expressed relief upon learning of her impending release, acknowledging Huang's incredible energy and determination as a fighter for women's rights in China.