Chinese Government Extends Detention of Journalist Yuyu Dong to December 27

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2024 – Following is a statement by National Press Club President Emily Wilkins on the Chinese government’s decision to extend detention for journalist Yuyu Dong – a former Nieman Fellow -- being held in jail in Beijing.

“We have recently learned that Chinese journalist Yuyu Dong will continue to be detained in a Beijing jail until at least December 27, 2024. Arrested in February 2022, he has been detained 2 years and 7 months prior to this latest extension. Since his trial in July 2023, we have been waiting for a verdict. This latest delay calls into question the validity of the government’s case against Dong. We ask the Chinese government to release Yuyu. He should be reunited with his family.”

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Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major journalism organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the United States and around the world.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club