HRF condemns the Chinese government’s pressure on Ruth Wang, a lawyer who represented detained leaders of Zion Church in China. HRF calls on Beijing to end its persecution of lawyers defending prisoners of conscience. Wang should be free to practice law without fear of retaliation.
Wang fled to Taiwan earlier this month after Chinese officials pressured her firm to dissolve and ordered lawyers to stop representing members of Beijing’s Zion Church. Her mentor, Zhang Kai, lost his license and was barred from leaving China, while other lawyers were suspended.
Wang’s case reflects the CCP’s broader crackdown on independent lawyers, religious communities, and those who defend them. The regime has increasingly used professional sanctions, travel restrictions, and intimidation to silence legal advocates.
HRF stands with Ruth Wang and all lawyers who defend freedom of religion and other fundamental rights in China. Beijing must end its repression and allow independent lawyers to represent their clients without retaliation.
