Family of Chinese Journalist Dong Yuyu Condemns Unjust Verdict in Espionage Trial

Family Statement on the Verdict of Dong Yuyu

The Press Freedom Center at the National Press Club has released a statement from the family of journalist Dong Yuyu, recent convicts regarding espionage charges in China. On November 29, 2024, they expressed deep discontent, stating that the verdict serves as a grave injustice not only to Dong but also to the free-thinking media in China.

The family refutes the baseless claims resulting in a seven-year sentence imposed on Dong, emphasizing the absence of credible evidence for the espionage allegations. The Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court has reportedly categorized the Japanese embassy as an 'espionage organization' based solely on the meetings Dong had with Japanese diplomats, which they labeled as actions favoring espionage.

This situation has raised pressing questions from the family regarding the legitimacy of such accusations against recognized diplomatic channels. They postulate that if the Chinese government had acknowledged these diplomats' legitimacy in their roles, why had they not expelled them based on these unsubstantiated charges?

Shocked by the severe implications of this ruling, the family points out that it casts a shadow over how Chinese citizens will interact with foreign embassies, potentially leading to distrust and an environment of paranoia regarding diplomatic relations. In this regard, they emphasize that the verdict undermines not only Dong's work but the spirit of international engagement.

Dong has spent over two decades building bridges between China, Japan, and the United States. The family outlines that his work has always been conducted transparently and has aimed at cultivating mutual understanding across cultures. Therefore, the family is alarmed by the notion that previous interactions with foreign representatives could now be misconstrued as espionage efforts.

Impact on Sino-Japanese Relations: This verdict could have a chilling impact on Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations and threatens the very principle of 'people-to-people diplomacy' that the Chinese authorities ostensibly support. As past academic and journalistic exchanges come under fire, the family notes the detrimental effects this could have on cooperative dialogues crucial for mutual understanding and relational harmony.

Public support for Dong has been remarkable during his years of imprisonment, and it remains a comforting reminder for the family amid this painful ordeal. They express their profound gratitude to all those who have advocated for Dong and have supported his cause. The family reports that despite the hardships he faces, Dong has managed to stay fit and maintain a positive spirit, regularly completing sets of push-ups and leg raises, which speaks to his resilience.

Despite this conviction, the family's firm belief is that Dong's reputation remains intact internationally. However, within China, they foresee a grim narrative being perpetuated by the government, branding him a traitor rather than recognizing his contributions towards a more transparent society.

The family is steadfast in their mission to appeal his conviction, believing that it constitutes an unparalleled assault on the pursuit of journalistic integrity in China. They urge the global community to remain vigilant, as they contend that cases like Dong's have broader implications for all who seek to foster exchanges and openness in conflicts-ridden contexts.

Preservation of freedom of expression and protection of journalists should remain a priority as they navigate these troubled waters. In the face of state retribution, Dong Yuyu's story is not only a call for justice but also a crucial reminder of the vital role that journalists play in the broader narrative of global freedom and democracy.