After seven months in pretrial detention, on December 28, 2020, a court sentenced Zhang, a citizen journalist covering COVID-19, to four years in prison for “picking quarrels and stirring up trouble.” The indictment cites her reporting and overseas interviews. Zhang went on hunger strike in prison, transitioning from a full to partial hunger strike, and finally ending the strike after authorities force-fed her.
![](https://pen.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fep-writers-database-Zhang-Zhan-Worldify-jpg.webp)
Zhang Zhan
Is case active: Yes
Designation:Online Commentator
Country:China
Region:Asia-Pacific
Gender:Female
Status:Imprisoned
Years active:2022, 2023