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Family of imprisoned Chinese journalist pleads for his release over health concerns
Family and activists say prison doctors found a heart arrhythmia and a lung tumor after Dong Yuyu was hospitalized, and they are pressing for medical parole.
Imprisoned journalist Dong Yuyu was hospitalized in Tianjin on April 27, where doctors diagnosed heart arrhythmia and a lung tumor. His family stated Thursday that he is "effectively facing a death sentence."
Authorities detained Dong in 2022 while he met a Japanese diplomat, later sentencing him to seven years in 2024 for espionage. He previously wrote for Guangming Daily about political reform and constitutional democracy.
Dong Yifu, based in the USA, reported harsh prison conditions, stating, "My mother and I are very sad and anxious." His father was forced to work long hours making clothes without proper rest.
Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders urged Beijing to secure medical parole for Dong, requesting permission for him to travel abroad for treatment and reunite with his family.
The family hopes Donald Trump will raise Dong's case with Chinese counterpart Jinping at a summit next week. A recent Senate resolution also spotlighted the imprisoned journalist alongside other detained journalists globally.