Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Beijing High Court Upholds Journalist's 7-Year Jail Term for Espionage
A journalist named Dong Yuyu in China was given a seven-year jail sentence for spying.
He appealed this decision, but a higher court said no, he still has to serve the full sentence.
His family and his lawyer believe he is innocent and that the court's decision is unfair.
They say there isn't enough proof that he was spying.
Dong used to be an editor for a state newspaper and met with diplomats from different countries.
His family worries this sentence will make others afraid to talk to foreigners or share their ideas.
Chinese authorities say they followed the law when they decided his case.
Beijing's High Court has rejected an appeal by journalist Dong Yuyu against his seven-year espionage sentence.
Dong's family and lawyer called the court's decision an 'act of persecution' and maintained his innocence.
Dong was arrested in February 2022 in Beijing while meeting with a Japanese diplomat.
His family challenges the evidence presented, stating that the diplomats he met were not spies.
The US has described the sentencing as 'unjust' and called for Dong's immediate release.
- Who
- Veteran Chinese state media journalist Dong Yuyu, his family, and his lawyer
- What
- Beijing's High Court rejected Dong Yuyu's appeal against a seven-year jail term for espionage.
- When
- The appeal was rejected on Thursday; Dong was arrested in February 2022 and jailed in November.
- Where
- Beijing, China
- Why
- Dong was charged with espionage, though his family and lawyer dispute the charges and evidence.
Family & Supporters
Chinese Authorities
Verdict Validity
Family & Supporters
The rejection of the appeal is an 'act of persecution,' illogical, and lacks evidence to support espionage charges. The family maintains Dong's innocence and will seek other avenues for justice.
Chinese Authorities
Chinese authorities have stated that the case was handled strictly in accordance with the law.
Impact of Sentencing
Family & Supporters
The sentence threatens foreigners interacting with Chinese citizens, silences free-thinking Chinese citizens, and chills people-to-people exchange.
Chinese Authorities
Not explicitly stated, but implied by their assertion of handling the case legally and within the bounds of law.
- Journalist's Name
- Dong Yuyu
- Original Sentence
- Seven years imprisonment
- Charges
- Espionage
- Arrest Date
- February 2022
- Arrest Location
- Beijing
- Appeal Court
- Beijing High Court
- Appeal Verdict Date
- Thursday