Chen Wei

Chen was detained in 2011 for essays in which he supported a civil society and criticized the Chinese political system. In February 2020, Chen was released upon completion of his nine-year prison sentence although he is subject to two years deprivation of political rights. He was initially convicted of “inciting subversion of state power,” a charge frequently used against critics. Since his release, Chen has remained under surveillance and is restricted from speaking publicly or engaging in activism.