Taiwan-based publisher Li Yanhe (李延賀) has been sentenced to three years in prison, fined 50,000 yuan (US$6,890) in personal assets and deprived political rights for one year for “inciting secession” in China, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua (陳斌華) said today.
The Shanghai First Intermediate People’s Court announced the verdict on Feb. 17, Chen said.
The trial was conducted lawfully, and in an open and fair manner, he said, adding that the verdict has since come into legal effect.
Photo: Screen grab from Facebook
The defendant reportedly admitted guilt and would appeal within the statutory appeal period, he said, adding that the defendant and his family have been clearly informed about the sentence.
During the execution of the sentence, the relevant authorities are to ensure that the rights of the defendant and his family are protected in accordance with the law, Chen said.
He said that as a spokesman, he is unwilling to disclose further details.
Chen also accused the Democratic Progressive Party of repeatedly bringing up this judicial case in an attempt to slander and discredit China’s judicial system.
Li, also known by the pen name Fucha (富察), worked as editor-in-chief of Taiwan-based Gusa Press (八旗文化).
Li was born in China’s Liaoning Province and obtained Taiwanese citizenship after living in Taiwan for many years.
He returned to Shanghai in March 2023 to cancel his household registration, but was arrested by police, most likely because Gusa Press has published books that are critical of China’s autocratic regime.
In April 2023, Beijing confirmed that Li had been detained “on suspicion of engaging in activities endangering national security.”
Since then, China has never publicly announced the progress of Li’s trial, apart from announcing on Tuesday last week that he had been convicted in a “public sentencing.”
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