We are dismayed by the verdict to a four-year sentence in the trial against Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng. Yu has peacefully campaigned for constitutional reforms, human rights, and the rule of law in China and has served as a lawyer for other human rights defenders. Yu Wensheng was awarded the German-French Human Rights Award for this commitment in December 2018.

We appeal to Chinese institutions to respect the rule of law and to guarantee and protect the rights of Yu Wensheng and his family. We expect the Chinese leadership to enforce its stated goal of strengthening the rule of law!