China Again Extends Detention of Journalist Yuyu Dong to September 27

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by National Press Club President Emily Wilkins on China's decision to extend detention for journalist Yuyu Dong – a former Nieman Fellow -- being held in jail in Beijing.  

"We have recently learned that Chinese journalist Yuyu Dong will continue to be detained in a Beijing jail until at least September 27, 2024. Arrested in February 2022, he has been detained 2 years and 4 months prior to this latest extension. Dong was tried in July 2023, but the court offered no verdict at that time. Since then, he has been given a series of extended detentions. This last one will extend more than a year past his trial.

"In these kinds of national security cases the verdict is often rendered the same day as the trial. It appears the court is struggling to reach a verdict in this case. This delay calls into question their case against Dong. We ask China to consider releasing Yuyu. He should be reunited with his family."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization, the club is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

Contact: Bill McCarren, [email protected] for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club