06/01/25 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 6 January, the European Union deplored the confirmation by the Suzhou Intermediate People’s Court of the sentencing of human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng to three years’ imprisonment for “inciting subversion of State power”. In an EEAS press release, the EU called for the immediate release of Yu Wensheng and all human rights defenders detained in China. The EEAS also expressed concern for Xu Yan, Yu Wensheng’s wife, who has been sentenced to one year and nine months in prison on similar charges (see EUROPE 13515/7). The two were arrested on 13 April 2023 on their way to a meeting at the EU delegation in Beijing. Xu Yan is due to be released on 13 January 2025, at the end of her sentence. The EU urges the Chinese authorities to guarantee her safety thereafter. (PLD)