Update on the Prison Situation of Human Rights Defender and Lawyer Ding Jiaxi, Sentenced to 12 Years (July 2, 2026)

On July 2, 2026, this outlet learned that on Tuesday, June 23, Ding Jiaxi’s family members in China finally saw him.

According to Ding Jiaxi’s wife, Luo Shengchun, Ding Jiaxi continues to face multiple restrictions at Jiangbei Prison:

(1) Regarding outdoor exercise, the prison’s explanation is:

Because Ding Jiaxi is a political prisoner, the prison must prevent him from coming into contact with other prisoners and will allow him outdoor exercise only when specially assigned personnel are available to guard him. Therefore, the timing of his outdoor exercise is uncertain and depends on whether the prison finds it convenient to assign someone specifically to supervise him during that time. This clearly violates the United Nations’ Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, which require at least one hour of outdoor exercise per day, and also contravenes the provisions of human rights conventions prohibiting torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. I do not accept this explanation. Jiangbei Prison must guarantee Ding Jiaxi’s outdoor exercise time!

(2) Regarding restrictions on purchasing books and the return of books sent to him, the prison’s explanation is:

This is a uniform regulation applied by Jiangbei Prison to all prisoners, and Ding Jiaxi cannot be treated differently; so why is he treated differently when it comes to outdoor exercise? I do not accept this bandit-like logic. Ding Jiaxi’s right to read must be guaranteed!

(3) Regarding the removal and withholding of pages from the letters I sent to Ding Jiaxi, the prison’s explanation is:

The pages withheld were scanned pages of hymns and handwritten pages of the Bible, because the prison does not allow proselytizing. This violates my freedom of religion and freedom of expression. I protest! Beginning July 1, I will continue to use my half-hour of Bible reading each day to copy the Bible or study hymns for Ding Jiaxi. The copied content will be posted on Twitter every day, sharing God’s grace and words—which Ding Jiaxi is unable to receive directly—with all friends outside the high walls! I believe Ding Jiaxi can hear the gospel through his spiritual connection!

(4) Regarding family telephone calls, Jiaxi can call family members in China whose identities are registered there if he agrees to be monitored, but Jiaxi is not allowed to call my mobile phone. Even the domestic mobile number that I registered, had shipped thousands of miles by courier to the United States, and purchased in China under my name is not permitted. The prison requires me to personally go to Jiangbei Prison to verify my identity. I choose not to cooperate and waive this right.