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Alert

Journalist Zhao Yan acquitted of revealing state secrets, but convicted of fraud and sentenced to three years' imprisonment

(WiPC/IFEX) - WiPC welcomes the 25 August 2006 announcement that the charge against journalist Zhao Yan of revealing state secrets has been dropped, but is seriously concerned at his sentencing to three years in jail for fraud. WiPC demands his immediate and unconditional release pending his likely appeal.

Zhao Yan, news assistant at the Beijing bureau of the "New York Times" and former reporter for "China Reform" magazine, was arrested on 17 September 2004 and charged with "providing state secrets to foreigners". The charges stemmed from an article published in the "New York Times" on 7 September 2004 revealing Jiang Zemin's retirement from the position of chairman of the Central Military Commission and the transfer of leadership to President Hu Jintao. The article preceded the official announcement about Jiang's retirement, which was made on 19 September 2004. The "New York Times" said that Zhao had no involvement whatsoever in the article.

Although the charges against Zhao were dropped in March 2006, weeks ahead of President Hu Jintao's visit to the United States, they were reinstated in May. No information has been given about his alleged fraud, but Zhao's lawyers believe he is likely to appeal the conviction.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Send appeals to authorities:
- welcoming the dropping of the charge of revealing state secrets against journalist Zhao Yan
- expressing serious concerns that he remains detained
- calling for his immediate and unconditional release pending his likely appeal

APPEALS TO:

His Excellency Hu Jintao
President of the People's Republic of China
State Council
Beijing 100032
P.R. China

Procurator General Mr. Jia Chunwang
Supreme People's Procuratorate
Beiheyan Street 147
100726 Beijing
P.R. China

Please note that fax numbers are no longer available for the Chinese authorities, so you may wish to ask the diplomatic representative for China in your country to forward your appeals.

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for China in your country and to the source if possible.