China: Critical Chinese journalist detained again after campaign of harassment

Chinese independent writer, photojournalist and filmmaker Du Bin has remained incarcerated by the Chinese authorities since being taken from his Beijing home on October 15. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the arbitrary detention of Du Bin and calls for his immediate release.

Du Bin was arrested in his Beijing home on October 15 and is currently incarcerated in Beijing's Shunyi Detention Centre. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

This is the third arrest of Du Bin, who was initially taken to Gaoliying Police Station after his arrest, but was later transferred to Beijing's Shunyi Detention Centre. He is accused of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," an offence regularly used by Chinese authorities to stifle independent reporting and intimidate journalists. According to his family, police are reportedly withholding all documents related to the arrest.

The freelance journalist and writer has long reportedon political repression, historical injustices and human rights issues in China. His work includesinvestigations into the Tiananmen Square Massacre, state censorship, and abuses against detainees and religious minorities. Du Bin previously worked as a photographer for TheNew York Times' Beijing office from 2004 to 2011, before leaving due to state surveillance and pressure. He previously worked for state-owned newspapers, including the Beijing Youth Daily and has written multiple books about China's leaders, politics, and key historical events.

The latest arrest follows a long campaign of harassment of Du Bin by China's authorities. He was first detainedfor one month in 2013 after publishing a documentary about the torture of detainees at China's Masanjia Labour Camp, and faced movement restrictions one year after his release. He was also briefly heldin 2020, accused of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble."

Anti-corruption activist Liu Hua, who featured as a former detainee in Du Bin's 2013 documentary Above the Ghosts' Heads: The Women of Masanjia Labor Camp, calledthe arrest a "kidnapping" and "illegal" and urged the international community to demand his immediate and unconditional release.

The IFJ monitorsChina's ongoing repression of critical and independent journalists, including the jailing of journalists. China remains the world's worst jailer of journalists and media professionals, with 143 journalists currently behind bars. The IFJ will release its full jailed list on the International Human Rights Day on December 10.

The IFJ said:"Du Bin's detention is a clear attempt to silence independent journalism. The IFJ condemns this targeted campaign to silence a journalist who has bravely exposed state abuses in China. He should be released immediately."