Zhang Zhan, the Chinese citizen journalist who exposed the reality of the COVID-19 outbreak origins from Wuhan is in jail and close to death. Here’s the entire story.
COVID-19 outbreak origins: Exposed
Zhang Zhan, a 38-year-old Chinese citizen journalist and former lawyer exposed the reality behind the origins of covid in Wuhan, China. She traveled to Wuhan in early 2020 for reporting right from the epicenter of the virus outbreak. With her detailed questioning and reports, Zhan questioned the handling of the outbreaks by the Chinese government. She also shared and recorded evidence of COVID-19 patients lined up in the hospitals of Wuhan. Zhan, intimidated and manhandled by officers of law and officials when they tried to stop her from reporting the truth and sharing visual proof.
Unfortunately, her investigation was cut short by the Chinese officials. In May 2020, the authorities detained her for a total of seven months. Unfortunately, it followed with a four-year-long jail sentence for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”. After being arrested, she went on a hunger strike for protesting against the illegal and inhuman treatment given to her in the jail.
Zhan: close to death and critical
Her family is now claiming that she is close to death and critically weak. Additionally, the police authorities were force-feeding her using nasal tubes. They are also scared as “she may not live for much longer”. “By not eating, she wants to protest against the illegal nature of her treatment. She believes that not eating is a way to tell them they are wrong,” said Zhang Keke, one of her legal representatives. “Zhan is 177cm tall, now she has less than 40 kg wt. She may not survive the coming cold winter. I hope the world remembers how she used to be,” tweeted Zhang Ju, her brother.
Amnesty International is calling this a shameful attack on basic human rights. “Release her immediately so that she can end her hunger strike and receive the appropriate medical treatment she desperately needs,” stated the human rights organization. So, they are reiterating the need for releasing the former lawyer immediately. Moreover, “If Zhang Zhan dies in prison, her blood will be on the Chinese government’s hands,” added Gwen Lee, an Amnesty campaigner.