The US calls the seven-year prison sentence of a Chinese journalist accused of espionage “unfair”

MADRID Nov. 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The spokesman for the US State Department, Matthew Miller, has described as “unfair” the seven-year prison sentence for alleged espionage imposed by the Chinese Justice on a well-known ‘Guangming Daily’ journalist, Dong Yuyu, detained two years ago.

“His arrest and sentencing today (Friday the 29th) highlight the failure of the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to fulfill its commitments under international law and its own constitutional guarantees for all its citizens, which include the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” Miller said in a statement.

In this context, the State Department has praised “Dong’s work as a veteran journalist and editor, as well as his contributions to the ties between the people of the United States and China,” while demanding his “immediate and unconditional release.” “.

Dong Yuyu, 62, was active in journalistic circles in the United States and Japan, often meeting with diplomats and foreign journalists despite working at the fifth largest circulation newspaper, which maintains ties to the Communist Party. Chinese.

In February 2022, he was accused of carrying out espionage activities and detained while meeting with a Japanese diplomat, who was also arrested, although the authorities ordered his release shortly after due to criticism from the Japanese Government.

Chinese authorities have insisted that Dong had meetings with “espionage agents.” However, Organizations that defend Human Rights and freedom of the press, such as the National Press Club of the United States, have criticized the judicial decision and have warned of its impact on the profession and its value for democracy.