Chinese citizen journalist to be released after reporting on Covid in Wuhan
- Zhang Zhan, a Chinese citizen journalist, is set to be freed after being jailed for reporting on Covid in Wuhan.
- Her search for the truth during the early days of the pandemic was seen as a threat by the authorities.
- After four years in jail, she will finally be released.
A Chinese citizen journalist named Zhang Zhan was jailed for four years for reporting on the early days of Covid-19 in Wuhan. She was released on Monday. Zhang went to Wuhan in February 2020 to cover the outbreak and the government's response. She was arrested in May 2020 for a vague crime used to silence critics. While in prison, she went on hunger strikes and her health deteriorated. Zhang's release conditions are uncertain, but she may face surveillance and restrictions. Zhang was one of many journalists silenced by Chinese authorities during the pandemic. China is known for detaining journalists, making it the world's top jailer of media workers. Zhang, a former lawyer, aimed to speak for those affected by the pandemic. She believed in sharing the truth, even if it meant facing consequences. Zhang's release raises concerns about her freedom and well-being post-prison. Supporters hope Zhang won't face further restrictions or harassment. They urge Chinese authorities to ensure she receives necessary medical care. Zhang's case is compared to that of Lin Zhao, a Chinese dissident executed during the Cultural Revolution. Zhang's supporters see her as a symbol of courage and resilience.