Representative Christopher H. Smith, Chair
Senator Jeff Merkley, Cochair
Chinese Authorities Continue To Suppress Lawyers After Replacing Minister of Justice
March 15, 2018
In February 2017, the Chinese Communist Party leadership appointed Zhang Jun as Minister of Justice, replacing Wu Aiying. Unlike Wu, Zhang is legally trained and has extensive legal experience, including having served as a vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, but there is little indication that his policies will be more sympathetic to lawyers than those of his predecessor. During his tenure, Zhang has signaled that he will focus on controlling lawyers more tightly, especially with regard to their out-of-court speech. In September 2017, officials from public security bureaus, justice bureaus, lawyers associations, and politics and law committees conducted lengthy and intrusive on-site “inspections” of at least seven law firms that have engaged in rights defense work.
Suppression Continues Under New Leadership
During Wu’s 12-year tenure,[1] the Ministry of Justice promulgated and amended a number of rules to impose licensing hurdles and restrictions on lawyers’ rights to free speech, assembly, and independent exercise of professional judgment.[2] In October 2016, over 400 lawyers and citizens published a joint letter calling for Wu’s removal, claiming that some of the rules were unlawful and unconstitutional.[3] Wu’s February 2017 removal and her eventual expulsion from the Party likely was not a response to public dissatisfaction,[4] as she was expelled for unspecified “serious discipline violations.”[5]
After Zhang Jun took office in February 2017, justice bureaus, lawyers associations, courts, and other government bodies reportedly continued to harass or persecute rights lawyers by means including revocation[6] and suspension[7] of licenses, delays in the annual license renewal process,[8] exclusion from courthouses,[9] restrictions on movement,[10] physical assault,[11] and criminal prosecution.[12] These forms of persecution took place against the backdrop of the nationwide and coordinated crackdown on legal professionals and rights advocates that began in mid-2015 (commonly known as the 709 crackdown).[13] The 709 crackdown directly affected over 300 individuals, of whom 14 were convicted of a crime,[14] and 1 continued to remain in incommunicado pretrial detention as of January 2018.[15]
For more information on the 709 crackdown, see Section III—Access to Justice in the CECC 2015 Annual Report, pp.272; CECC 2016 Annual Report, pp.271–272; and CECC 2017 Annual Report, pp.272–273.
Managing Lawyers Through Lawyers Associations
Zhang Jun signaled during his tenure that lawyers would be more tightly managed through lawyers associations,[16] which are social institutions[17] that work under the Ministry of Justice’s direction.[18] Lawyers are required to join a local lawyers association and are subject to its disciplinary measures.[19] In the month after Zhang Jun took office, the national-level All China Lawyers Association (ACLA) issued three sets of rules governing disciplinary measures and lawyers’ rights and conduct relating to the practice of law.[20] Simultaneously, the ACLA established two centers, one for protecting lawyers’ rights and another for receiving complaints about lawyers’ misconduct.[21] According to reports subsequently posted on the ACLA’s website, local lawyers associations advocated on lawyers’ behalf, such as by protecting their rights to represent clients and to gather evidence.[22] For example, in an incident where court officials in Liaoning province reportedly assaulted a lawyer from Heilongjiang province, the ACLA coordinated investigation efforts between the lawyers associations of the two provinces and reported the incident to the Supreme People’s Court.[23]
Zhang Jun also directed lawyers associations to strictly impose discipline on lawyers. In a March 2017 interview, Zhang stressed the importance of lawyers’ “self-discipline,” referencing the June 2016 Opinion on Deepening Reform of the Lawyer System,[24] which demands lawyers’ “unwavering adherence” to the Party’s leadership.[25] In August 2017, the ACLA convened a four-day seminar, attended by about 70 lawyers, that served as a platform for Zhang and other officials to lecture lawyers on criminal procedure and reform of the lawyer system.[26] At the seminar, Zhang directed lawyers associations to develop robust measures to ensure “self-discipline,” noting that they previously were too lax in disciplining lawyers.[27]
Restricting Lawyers’ Speech
In 2012, when he was vice president of the Supreme People’s Court,[28] Zhang Jun expressed concern that lawyers’ out of court speech and activities could undermine the judiciary’s credibility.[29] At the August 2017 seminar, he made his concerns more explicit.[30] Zhang reminded the assembled audience that they bore a social responsibility “to protect the state’s rule of law and social justice”; he further denounced certain types of out-of-court speech such as “holding up banners during the day, lighting candles at night,” and “publishing articles to indiscriminately criticize courts.”[31] In addition, all participants were asked to hold discussions about a draft recommendation that concluded with an affirmation to “refrain from engaging in out-of-court speech that is detrimental to fair adjudication by courts.”[32] According to a report published by the Ministry of Justice, while some lawyers raised dissenting voices, all participants applauded and unanimously expressed approval when the finalized version was read aloud.[33]
Controlling Lawyers Through “Inspections”
After the seminar, two lawyers gave interviews to a foreign media organization about the seminar, and their respective law firms were subjected to intrusive inspections. Mo Shaoping,[34] a well-known lawyer who represented democracy and rights advocates such as Liu Xiaobo and Pu Zhiqiang,[35] told U.S.-based broadcaster Radio Free Asia that he had reservations about the draft recommendation, pointing out the vagueness of its formulation.[36] About two weeks later, local public security bureau, justice bureau, lawyers association, and politics and law committee officials went to Mo’s law firm in Beijing municipality to conduct an inspection of matters including the firm’s discipline, fee collection, and management.[37] Around the same time, authorities inspected the law firm of another participant of the seminar, Ge Yongxi, who represented Wu Gan, a rights advocate detained during the 709 crackdown.[38] Like Mo, Ge gave an interview to Radio Free Asia, and he highlighted past violations of lawyers’ rights to practice law and parties’ procedural rights.[39] Within a period of about two weeks in September 2017, at least seven law firms were subjected to inspection, with officials stationing themselves in at least one law firm.[40] Observers said these inspections targeted law firms that engaged in rights defense work, and that they could be a prelude to a larger crackdown similar to the 709 crackdown.[41]
[1] “List of Appointment and Dismissal Decisions of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee” [Quanguo renmin daibiao dahui changwu weiyuanhui jueding renmian de mingdan], 24 February 17 (http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2017-02/24/c_1120527061.htm). In February 2017, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee removed Wu Aiying and appointed Zhang Jun as the new Minister of Justice. Charlotte Gao, “Chinese Communist Party Expels Former Justice Minister for ‘Serious Discipline Problems,’” The Diplomat, 16 October 17 (https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/chinese-communist-party-expels-former-justice-minister-for-serious-discipline-problems/).
[2] See, e.g., Ministry of Justice, Measures on Management of License To Practice Law for Lawyers and Law Firms [Lushi he lushi shiwusuo zhiye zhengshu guanli banfa], issued 1 September 09, effective 21 September 09, arts. 2, 12 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/government_public/content/2009-09/22/fggz_6401.html); Ministry of Justice, Measures on Annual Inspection and Examination for Law Firms [Lushi shiwusuo niandu jiancha kaohe banfa], issued 7 April 10, effective 8 April 10, arts. 14, 25 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/government_public/content/2010-04/10/fggz_6423.html); Ministry of Justice, Measures on Punishing Unlawful Conduct by Lawyers and Law Firms [Lushi he lushi shiwusuo weifa xingwei chufa banfa], issued 7 April 10, effective 1 June 10 (http://www.legalinfo.gov.cn/index/content/2010-04/09/content_2108820.htm); Ministry of Justice, Measures on Managing Lawyers’ Practice of Law [Lushi zhiye guanli banfa], issued 28 May 08, amended 18 September 16, effective 1 November 16, arts. 2, 37–40 (http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2016/content_5113014.htm); Ministry of Justice, Measures on Managing Law Firms [Lushi shiwusuo guanli banfa], issued 28 May 08, amended 30 November 12, 6 September 16, effective 1 November 16, arts. 3, 50 (http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2016/content_5109321.htm). For more information about Measures on Managing Lawyers’ Practice of Law and Measures on Managing Law Firms, see CECC, 2017 Annual Report, 5 October 17, 273 (https://www.cecc.gov/sites/chinacommission.house.gov/files/2017%20Annual%20Report%20_2.pdf).
[3] “Over a Hundred Lawyers and Citizens Jointly Asked To Remove Minister of Justice Wu Aiying” [Zhongguo yu baiming lushi gongmin lianshu yaoqiu bamian sifa buzhang wu aiying], Radio Free Asia, 10 October 16 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/xl1-10102016104644.html); “400 People Asked To Remove Minister of Justice in Joint Letter” [400 ren lianshu yaoqiu bamian sifa buzhang], Radio Free Asia, 10 October 16 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer2-10102016083335.html). See also Yu Pinjian, “On the Retrogression of Wu Aiying and Others!” [Lun wu aiying men de daodiao!], Weibo post, 15 October 17, 9:51 a.m. (https://weibo.com/ttarticle/p/show?id=2313501000014163051501787632).
[4] Charlotte Gao, “Chinese Communist Party Expels Former Justice Minister for ‘Serious Discipline Problems,’” The Diplomat, 16 October 17 (https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/chinese-communist-party-expels-former-justice-minister-for-serious-discipline-problems/); Lin Zizhen and Wu Gang, “Communist Party Expels Former Justice Minister,” Caixin, 15 October 17 (https://www.caixinglobal.com/2017-10-15/101156557.html); “Minister of Justice Wu Aiying Expelled, Legal Profession Faces Thorough Purge!” [Sifa buzhang wu aiying luoma lushiye jiang quanmian zhengsu!], Open Magazine, 20 October 17 (http://www.open.com.hk/content.php?id=3312).
[5] “Communiqué of the Seventh Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee” [Zhongguo gongchandang dishiba jie zhongyang weiyuanhui diqici quanti huiyi gongbao], Xinhua, 14 October 17 (http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2017-10/14/c_1121803301.htm).
[6] “Lawyer Zhu Shengwu’s License Revoked, Law Firm Faces Closure” [Zhu shengwu lushi bei chupai lusuo mianlin guanbi], Radio Free Asia, 22 November 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-11222017085448.html); “Guangdong Justice Bureau Attacks Without Warning, Rights Lawyer Sui Muqing’s License Revoked” [Guangdong sifating wu yujing tuxiweiquan lushi sui muqing zao diaozhao], Radio Free Asia, 23 January 18 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-01232018083111.html).
[7] “License Revoked, Rights Lawyer Chen Jiahong Not Optimistic About License Reinstatement” [Zao tingpai weiquan lushi chen jiahong dui fupai bu leguan], Radio Free Asia, 30 November 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-11302017091830.html); Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch, “Law Firms and Lawyers Nationwide Taught a Lesson by Justice Bureaus and Lawyers Associations” [Quanguo duodi lusuo lushi zao sifa ju ji luxie da guimo zhengzhi], 17 July 17 (http://msguancha.com/a/lanmu4/2017/0717/16169.html); Guang Xi Lawyers Association, “Circular Concerning the Implementation of Administrative Punishment on Guangxi Baijuming Law Firm and Its Lawyer, Chen Jiahong” [Guanyu dui guangxi baijuming lushi shiwusuo ji gai suo chen jiahong lushi shishi xingzheng chufa de qingkuang tongbao], 15 September 17 (http://www.gxlawyer.org.cn/info/da22e3917dac4f4db87f02a3acbccdf4).
[8] “Annual License Examination of Lawyers Who Represented Individuals in 709 Case Held Up” [709 an daili lushi nianjian beika], Radio Free Asia, 12 July 17 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/ml1-07122017105256.html); “Sustained Pressure on Rights Lawyers, Worries of Another 709 Crackdown Loom” [Weiquan lushi chixu shouya danxin chongxian 709 shiqi], Radio Free Asia, 18 July 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-07182017094757.html); Liu Xiaoyuan, “Lawyer Liu Xiaoyuan: I Have Been Unemployed for Over 2 Years Because of the 709 Case” [Liu xiaoyuan lushi: yin 709 an wo bei shiye 2 nian duo le!], Rights Defense Network, 8 September 17 (http://wqw2010.blogspot.com/2017/09/709-2.html); Lawyers’ Rights and Interests Concern Net, “Many Law Firms and Lawyers Experience Delay in Annual Examination Possibly for Handling or Voicing Support for Cases that the Government Thinks Are Sensitive” [Yi yin daili dangju renwei de min’gan anjian huo jiji fasheng duoge lushi shiwusuo niandu kaohe he duoming lushi niandu kaohe bei ka], 3 June 17 (http://lvshiquanyiguanzhu.blogspot.com/2017/06/blog-post_3.html).
[9] Yingying Guan Shijie, “After Lawyer Chi Susheng, Another Lawyer Colleague Expelled From Courthouse!” [Ji chi susheng lushi hou, you yi lushi tonghang bei ganchu fating!], freewechat.com, 25 May 17 (https://freewechat.com/a/MjM5MTY2MjgyMQ==/2651074841/1); “Defense Lawyers Expelled From Shenzhen Courthouse, ‘Protecting Lawyers’ Rights’ Becomes Empty Talk” [Bianhu lushi zao zhuchu shenzhen fayuan “baozhang lushi quanyi” cheng kongtan], Radio Free Asia, 21 September 17 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf-09212017110527.html); Rights Defense Network, “Ganzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangxi Barred Retained Lawyer Chi Susheng From Making Appearance in Ming Jingguo Case” [Jiangxi ganzhoushi zhongji fayuan jing bu yunxu ming jingguo an weituo lushi chi susheng chuting], 16 November 17 (http://wqw2010.blogspot.com/2017/11/blog-post_93.html).
[10] “Chen Jian’gang Under [Authorities’] Control While in Xiamen Handling Case, Movement Again Restricted After Release” [Chen jian’gang dao xiamen ban’an shoukong huoshi hou xingdong zai shou zu’nao], Radio Free Asia, 5 September 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-09052017100837.html); “Disbarred Lawyer Tang Jitian Prohibited From Leaving Country En Route to Hong Kong for Medical Treatment” [Bei diaoxiao zhizhao lushi tang jitian fu gang zhibing bei jinzhi chujing], Radio Free Asia, 12 November 17 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/Xinwen/7-11122017114642.html).
[11] Lawyers’ Rights and Interests Concern Net, “Experienced Female Attorney Assaulted and Injured by Court Police When Handling Case in Xi’an Court, No Results After 6 Months of Rights Defense” [Zishen nu lushi zai xi’an fayuan luzhi bei fajing dashang weiquan liuge duo yue wu guo], 21 November 17 (http://lvshiquanyiguanzhu.blogspot.com/2017/11/blog-post_9.html); Civil Rights & Livelihood Watch, “Rights Defense Lawyer Lu Tingge Assaulted by Court Police in Huili County, Sichuan, Hospitalized” [Weiquan lushi lu tingge zai sichuan huili xian zao fajing ouda ruyuan], 17 November 17 (http://msguancha.com/a/lanmu4/2017/1117/16662.html).
[12] “Li Tiantian Meets Lawyer for the First Time After 3 Weeks of Detention” [Li tiantian beikou 3 xingqi shou jian lushi], Radio Free Asia, 11 April 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-04112017095853.html); “Rights Lawyer Liu Yao Persecuted, Sentenced to 20 Years on Trumped Up Charges” [Weiquan lushi liu yao shou daya luozhi zuiming pan jian 20 nian], Radio Free Asia, 29 August 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/sentence-08292017094329.html).
[13] See, e.g., Josh Chin and Te-Ping Chen, “China Targets Human-Rights Lawyers in Crackdown,” Wall Street Journal, 12 July 15 (http://www.wsj.com/articles/china-targets-human-rights-lawyers-in-crackdown-1436715268); Human Rights Watch, “China: Secretly Detained Lawyers at Risk of Torture,” 20 July 15 (https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/07/20/china-secretly-detained-lawyers-risk-torture); Huang Qingchang and Zou Wei, “Revealing the Dark Secrets of ‘Rights Defense’ Incidents” [Jiekai “weiquan” shijian de heimu], Xinhua, 11 July 15 (http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2015-07/11/c_128010249.htm).
[14] China Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group, “As of 18:00 on December 8, 2017, at Least 321 Lawyers, Law Firm Staff, Human Rights Defenders, and [Their] Family Members Have Been, Questioned, Summoned, Prohibited From Leaving the Country, [Placed Under] Soft Detention, Residential Surveillance, and Arrested” [Jiezhi 2017 nian 12 yue 08 ri 18:00, zhishao 321 ming lushi, lusuo renyuan, renquan hanweizhe he jiashu bei yuetan, chuanhuan, xianzhi chujing, ruanjin, jianshi juzhu, daibu], 8 December 17 (http://www.chrlawyers.hk/sites/default/files/%E3%80%90%E2%80%9C709%E5%A4%A7%E6%8A%93%E6%8D%95%E2%80%9D%E3%80%91%E6%88%AA%E8%87%B32017%E5%B9%B412%E6%9C%8808%E6%97%A51800%20321%E5%90%8D%E5%8F%97%E5%BD%B1%E5%93%8D%E4%BA%BA%E5%A3%AB%E7%9A%84%E5%88%86%E7%B1%BB%E7%BB%9F%E8%AE%A1.pdf); Changsha Municipal Intermediate People’s Court, “Court of First Instance’s Open Court Sentencing in Xie Yang’s Case” [Xie yang an yishen gongkai xuanpan], Weibo post, 26 December 17, 11:35 a.m. (https://weibo.com/1975687852/FBpI3zBtH?from=page_1001061975687852_profile&wvr=6&mod=weibotime&type=comment#_rnd1516655786790); “Chinese Activist Wu Gan Appeals Subversion Sentence,” Radio Free Asia, 8 January 18 (https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/wugan-appeal-01082018163747.html).
[15] “Lawyers Again Denied Meeting With Wang Quanzhang, Last Person in 709 Case, Netizens Ask Western Politicians To Save Him” [Lushi huijian 709 zuihou yiren wang quanzhang zai zao ju wangyou yu xifang zhengyao jiu ren], Radio Free Asia, 12 January 18 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-01122018085358.html);
[16] Ministry of Justice, “Lawyers Associations Must Stand at the Forefront” [Lushi xiehui yao “ting” zai qianmian], 30 August 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0830/7361.html).
[17] PRC Lawyers Law [Zhonghua renmin gongheguo lushi fa], passed 28 October 07, effective 1 June 08, amended 26 October 12, 1 September 17, art. 43 (http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2017-09/12/content_2028697.htm).
[18] PRC Lawyers Law [Zhonghua renmin gongheguo lushi fa], passed 28 October 07, effective 1 June 08, amended 26 October 12, 1 September 17, art. 4 (http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2017-09/12/content_2028697.htm); All China Lawyers Association, “Introduction to the Association,” [Xiehui jieshao], last visited 5 December 17 (http://www.acla.org.cn/home/toMenu?menuIdStr=1).
[19] PRC Lawyers Law [Zhonghua renmin gongheguo lushi fa], passed 28 October 07, effective 1 June 08, amended 26 October 12, 1 September 17, art. 45 (http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2017-09/12/content_2028697.htm).
[20] Liu Ziyang, “Dare To ‘Raise the Flag’ When Protecting Rights, Dare To ‘Flash the Sword’ When Imposing Discipline for Violations” [Weihu quanli gan “juqi” chengjie weigui gan “liangjian”], Legal Daily, 24 March 17 (http://www.legaldaily.com.cn/xwzx/content/2017-03/24/content_7067829.htm).
[21] Wei Zhezhe, “ACLA Holds its First Press Conference: ‘Two Centers’ Established To Standardize Lawyers’ Law Practice” [Quanguo luxie zhaokai shouchang xinwen fabuhui: chengli “liangge zhongxin” guifan lushi zhiye], People’s Daily, 25 March 17 (http://legal.people.com.cn/n1/2017/0325/c42510-29168292.html).
[22] All China Lawyers Association, “ACLA Issues April 2017 Bulletin on Lawyers Associations’ Rights Protection and Disciplinary Work” [Quanguo luxie fabu 2017 nian 4 yuefen lushi xiehui weiquan chengjie gongzuo tongbao], 19 May 17 (http://www.acla.org.cn/article/page/detailById/19986); All China Lawyers Association, “ACLA Issues May 2017 Bulletin on Lawyers Associations’ Rights Protection and Disciplinary Work” [Quanguo luxie fabu 2017 nian 5 yuefen lushi xiehui weiquan chengjie gongzuo tongbao], 21 June 17 (http://www.acla.org.cn/article/page/detailById/20278). As of March 1, 2018, however, the ACLA’s website showed that the ACLA stopped publicly updating such information after June 2017.
[23] “Female Lawyer Chi Susheng Injured After Being Relentlessly Attacked in Court by Court Police” [Nu lushi chi susheng tingshang zao fajing kuangou shoushang], Radio Free Asia, 9 May 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-05092017081619.html); Liu Zhijun, All China Lawyers Association, “Rights Defense Center of ACLA Issues Investigation and Verification Letter After Receiving Request from Heilongjiang Rights Defense Center” [Quanguo luxie weiquan zhongxin jiu heilongjiang sheng luxie weiquan shenqing fachu diaocha heshi han], 9 May 17 (http://www.acla.org.cn/article/page/detailById/19897).
[24] Ministry of Justice, “Record of Minister Zhang Jun Being Collectively Interviewed in ‘Minister Hallway’ During Two Sessions” [Zhangjun buzhang jieshou quanguo lianghui “buzhang tongdao” jizhong caifang wenda shilu], 12 March 17 (http://xy.moj.gov.cn/index/content/2017-03/12/content_7052632.htm).
[25] “General Offices of CPC Central Committee and State Council Issue ‘Opinion on Deepening Reform of the Lawyer System’” [Zhonggong zhongyang bangongting guowuyuan bangongting yinfa “guanyu shenhua lushi zhidu gaige de yijian”], Xinhua, 13 June 16 (http://news.xinhuanet.com/2016-06/13/c_1119035558.htm).
[26] Ministry of Justice, “Minister of Justice Zhang Jun Comes to the Door for a ‘Nighttime Talk’” [Sifabu buzhang zhang jun dengmen “yehua”], 29 August 17 (http://xy.moj.gov.cn/index/content/2017-08/29/content_7299283.htm); Ministry of Justice, “Emerging Highlights of Seminar Joined by First Class Criminal Defense Lawyers” [Guige zuigao xing bian lushi yantaoban liangdian fencheng], 2 September 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0902/5925.html); “Ministry of Justice Lectures Rights Defense Lawyers, Denies ‘Separation of Powers’ Again” [Sifabu wei weiquan lushi shouke zai fouding “sanquan fenli”], Radio Free Asia, 31 August 17 (https://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/xl1-08312017103425.html).
[27] Ministry of Justice, “Lawyers Associations Must Stand at the Forefront” [Lushi xiehui yao “ting” zai qianmian], 30 August 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0830/7361.html).
[28] “Minister Zhang Jun,” China Legal Information Center, China Daily, 26 April 17 (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/m/chinalic/2017-04/26/content_29090310.htm).
[29] Shen Nianzu, “Pressure Felt by Court Vice Presidents” [Fayuan fuyuanzhang de yali], Economic Observer, 19 May 12 (http://www.eeo.com.cn/2012/0519/226779.shtml). See also Kai Wen, “Vice Presidents of Court Versus Lawyers: An Unequal War” [Fuyuanzhang yu zheng lushi: yichang buduicheng zhanzheng], Radio France Internationale, 22 May 12 (http://cn.rfi.fr/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20120522-%E5%89%AF%E9%99%A2%E9%95%BF%E4%B8%8E%E6%AD%A3%E5%BE%8B%E5%B8%88%EF%BC%9A%E4%B8%80%E5%9C%BA%E4%B8%8D%E5%AF%B9%E7%A7%B0%E6%88%98%E4%BA%89).
[30] Ministry of Justice, “Lawyers Associations Must Stand at the Forefront” [Lushi xiehui yao “ting” zai qianmian], 30 August 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0830/7361.html).
[31] Ministry of Justice, “Lawyers Associations Must Stand at the Forefront” [Lushi xiehui yao “ting” zai qianmian], 30 August 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0830/7361.html).
[32] Ministry of Justice, “Emerging Highlights of Seminar Joined by First Class Criminal Defense Lawyers” [Guige zuigao xing bian lushi yantaoban liangdian fencheng], 2 September 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0902/5925.html).
[33] Ministry of Justice, “Emerging Highlights of Seminar Joined by First Class Criminal Defense Lawyers” [Guige zuigao xing bian lushi yantaoban liangdian fencheng], 2 September 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0902/5925.html).
[34] Ministry of Justice, “Emerging Highlights of Seminar Joined by First Class Criminal Defense Lawyers” [Guige zuigao xing bian lushi yantaoban liangdian fencheng], 2 September 17 (http://www.moj.gov.cn/2017/0902/5925.html); “Limiting Lawyers’ Out-of-Court Speech, ACLA’s Recommendation Questioned” [Xianzhi lushi tingwai yanlun quanguo luxie changyi zao zhiyi], Radio Free Asia, 31 August 17 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-08312017103646.html).
[35] “Law Firm of Rights Lawyer Mo Shaoping, Who Previously Represented Liu Xiaobo and Pu Zhiqiang, Suddenly Subjected to ‘Special Inspection’” [Ceng wei liu xiaobo, pu zhiqiang bianhu weiquan lushi mo shaoping shiwusuo tuzao “zhuanxiang jiancha”], Stand News, 19 September 17 (http://www.thestand.news/china/%E6%9B%BE%E7%82%BA%E5%8A%89%E6%9B%89%E6%B3%A2-%E6%B5%A6%E5%BF%97%E5%BC%B7%E8%BE%AF%E8%AD%B7-%E7%B6%AD%E6%AC%8A%E5%BE%8B%E5%B8%AB%E8%8E%AB%E5%B0%91%E5%B9%B3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E7%AA%81%E9%81%AD-%E5%B0%88%E9%A0%85%E6%AA%A2%E6%9F%A5/). For more information, see the Commission’s Political Prisoner Database records 2004-03114 on Liu Xiaobo (http://ppdcecc.gov/QueryResultsDetail.aspx?PrisonerNum=3114), and 2014-00174 on Pu Zhiqiang (http://ppdcecc.gov/QueryResultsDetail.aspx?PrisonerNum=10325).
[36] “Limiting Lawyers’ Out-of-Court Speech, ACLA’s Recommendation Questioned” [Xianzhi lushi tingwai yanlun quanguo luxie changyi zao zhiyi], Radio Free Asia, 31 August 17 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/gf1-08312017103646.html).
[37] “[Prelude to Crackdown?] Law Firm of Well-Known Rights Lawyer Mo Shaoping Subjected to Thorough PSB-Led Inspection” [[Daya qianzou?] zhuming weiquan lushi mo shaoping shiwusuo zao gong’an daidui checha], Apple Daily, 18 September 17 (https://hk.news.appledaily.com/china/realtime/article/20170918/57226462); “Law Firm of Rights Lawyer Mo Shaoping, Who Previously Represented Liu Xiaobo and Pu Zhiqiang, Suddenly Subjected to ‘Special Inspection’” [Ceng wei liu xiaobo, pu zhiqiang bianhu weiquan lushi mo shaoping shiwusuo tuzao “zhuanxiang jiancha”], Stand News, 19 September 17 (http://www.thestand.news/china/%E6%9B%BE%E7%82%BA%E5%8A%89%E6%9B%89%E6%B3%A2-%E6%B5%A6%E5%BF%97%E5%BC%B7%E8%BE%AF%E8%AD%B7-%E7%B6%AD%E6%AC%8A%E5%BE%8B%E5%B8%AB%E8%8E%AB%E5%B0%91%E5%B9%B3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E7%AA%81%E9%81%AD-%E5%B0%88%E9%A0%85%E6%AA%A2%E6%9F%A5/).
[38] “Multiple Beijing Agencies Formally Station [Themselves] in Daoheng Law Firm To Conduct Special Inspection” [Beijing duoge bumen zhengshi jinzhu daoheng lusuo zhankai zhuanxiang jiancha], Radio Free Asia, 19 September 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-09192017075513.html). “Wu Gan Permitted to Meet Lawyer, Perhaps Hearing on Case Will Be Held Soon?” [Wu gan huozhun huijian lushi anjian huo kuai kaiting?], Radio Free Asia, 12 June 17 (http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/renquanfazhi/yf2-06122017114645.html). For more information on Wu Gan, see the Commission’s Political Prisoner Database record 2010-00348 (http://ppdcecc.gov/QueryResultsDetail.aspx?PrisonerNum=8061).
[39] Government Holds Legal Seminar, Invites Rights Lawyers in Rare Move” [Guanfang ban falu yantaohui hanyou yao weiquan lushi chuxi], Radio Free Asia, 29 August 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-08292017093131.html).
[40] Human Rights Watch, “China: Justice Ministry Pressures Law Firms,” 19 September 17 (https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/09/19/china-justice-ministry-pressures-law-firms); “Many Law Firms in China Inspected, Might Be Linked to Stability Maintenance For the 19th Party Congress” [Zhongguo duojia lusuo bei cha, yi yu 19 da weiwen youguan], Voice of America, 22 September 17 (https://www.voachinese.com/a/news-law-firms-under-scrutiny-prior-to-forthcoming-19th-cpc-congress-20170921/4038344.html); “Multiple Beijing Agencies Formally Station [Themselves] in Daoheng Law Firm To Conduct Special Inspection” [Beijing duoge bumen zhengshi jinzhu daoheng lusuo zhankai zhuanxiang jiancha], Radio Free Asia, 19 September 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-09192017075513.html).
[41] “Many Law Firms in China Inspected, Might Be Linked to Stability Maintenance For the 19th Party Congress” [Zhongguo duojia lusuo bei cha, yi yu 19 da weiwen youguan], Voice of America, 22 September 17 (https://www.voachinese.com/a/news-law-firms-under-scrutiny-prior-to-forthcoming-19th-cpc-congress-20170921/4038344.html); “Multiple Beijing Agencies Formally Station [Themselves] in Daoheng Law Firm To Conduct Special Inspection” [Beijing duoge bumen zhengshi jinzhu daoheng lusuo zhankai zhuanxiang jiancha], Radio Free Asia, 19 September 17 (http://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/lawyer-09192017075513.html); Human Rights Watch, “China: Justice Ministry Pressures Law Firms,” 19 September 17 (https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/09/19/china-justice-ministry-pressures-law-firms); “Law Firms in Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Yunnan Forced To Suspend Operations Due to Inspections, Rights Defense Lawyers Worry Another Wave of Suppression” [Yue gui yu dian lusuo shoucha yao tingye weiquan lushi you lingyi bo daya], Radio Free Asia, 22 September 17 (https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/law-firm-09222017083056.html); “Law Firm of Well-Known Chinese Rights Lawyer Mo Shaoping Searched Unexpectedly” [Zhongguo zhiming weiquan lushi mo shaoping shiwusuo tu zao sousuo], Apple Daily, 18 September 17 (https://tw.appledaily.com/new/realtime/20170918/1206278/).