China Again Extends Detention of Journalist Yuyu Dong to September 27

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2024 – 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.”

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Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club