New | Convicted Chinese human rights lawyer to be released soon, but he remains far from free
Pu Zhiqiang’s 3-year probation will limit his activities and ensure he is silenced, experts say
Although Chinese human rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang will be released days after he was given his suspended jail sentence this week, the previously outspoken figure will be under tight restrictions aimed at silencing him, rights experts say.
A Beijing court on Tuesday convicted Pu, 50, of “inciting ethnic hatred” and “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” but gave him a three-year reprieve. His conviction was based on content in seven of his microblog messages, which were critical of the Communist Party.
READ MORE: Price of conviction: Chinese rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang pays with suspended jail term over social media posts slamming the authorities
The suspended sentence means Pu will be on probation for three years; if he violates the terms of the probation or commits offences in that time, he will have to serve his original sentence. His lawyer’s licence will also be permanently revoked as convicted lawyers are barred from practising.
Experts say the probation conditions will severely limit Pu’s personal freedoms as well as rein in and silence the lawyer known for his bold, feisty personality.
Pu will have to periodically report his activities to the authorities and seek police permission before leaving Beijing. The probation will also limit who he meets and subject him to the vague requirement of “abiding by law and administrative regulations as well as obeying supervision”.
Even after his sentencing, Pu was not able to go home immediately. Instead, he was put under “designated residential surveillance” at an undisclosed location. He will remain detained through the official appeal period for the next 10 days, though he says he will not appeal.
