HRW Urges China to Release Taiwanese Activist Yang Chih Yuan

Human Rights Watch has demanded the immediate release of Taiwanese activist Yang Chih Yuan, convicted in China for his political activities. Yang's closed-door trial lacked transparency, with Beijing using national security laws to intimidate Taiwanese citizens. HRW criticized China's judicial guidelines that criminalize advocacy for Taiwan's independence.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for the immediate release of Yang Chih Yuan, a Taiwanese political activist convicted by China. Yang was convicted on August 26 for his political activities in Taiwan.

The details of Yang's closed-door trial were not revealed until September 6, and the Chinese authorities have yet to present any evidence or documents. Maya Wang, HRW's associate China director, condemned the prosecution, claiming it criminalizes being Taiwanese and aims to intimidate the Taiwanese people, reinforcing Beijing's claims of sovereignty.

HRW asserted that Yang's rights were violated, with Chinese authorities ignoring due process and subjecting him to 'residential surveillance in a designated location,' a practice condemned by the UN. In June, China issued new judicial guidelines that criminalize peaceful advocacy for Taiwan's independence, infringing on freedoms of expression and public participation.

Yang was held incommunicado for two years without access to legal counsel or family, breaching international human rights laws. Detained in August 2022, Yang faced charges of 'separatist' activity, though the HRW report indicated he was not politically active in China. His 'crimes,' according to HRW, include founding a minor political party in Taiwan and advocating for Taiwan's inclusion in the United Nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)