Case Details and Biography of Zhai Shanyong, a Falun Gong Practitioner from Jinan, Shandong, Sentenced to 3 Years and 6 Months
（Rights Defense Network Information Center report）On March 30, 2026，this outlet learned of the case details and biography of Zhai Shanyong, a Falun Gong practitioner from Jinan, Shandong, who was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months，as reported below：
Zhai Shanyong：A male Falun Gong practitioner from Jinan, Shandong，and a native of Beita Village, Zaoyuan Town, Zhangqiu District （formerly Zhangqiu City）, Jinan. He began practicing Falun Gong in his early years and was previously persecuted through re-education through labor。
On July 30, 2025，Zhai Shanyong was reported for distributing Falun Gong materials，was arrested by police，and detained at the Zhangqiu Detention Center，while local public security、procuratorate、and court officials colluded in secret。In March 2026, it was learned：Zhai Shanyong was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months。His sentence runs until：January 29, 2029。
Related Reporting
Aug 30, 2026
China Rights Defense Network: Monthly Report on Political Prisoners and Prisoners of Conscience in Mainland China (August 31, 2026), Issue 131 (1,638 people in total)
The Rights Defense Network Information Center released its 131st monthly report on August 31, 2026, stating that 40 people on the previous roster had completed their sentences and been released, 30 had new developments while in prison, six had been newly criminally detained or forcibly disappeared, 28 had been newly sentenced, and one had died in prison; the report lists a total of 1,638 political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in custody.
Aug 30, 2026
Case Details and Biography of Sun Chao, Christian Church Preacher in Qujing, Yunnan, Criminally Detained
Sun Chao, a Christian preacher at Philadelphia Church in Qujing, Yunnan, was transferred to criminal detention on August 7, 2026, after completing a 12-day administrative detention for preaching the Gospel. Authorities reportedly cited suspected “illegal organization of gatherings.” Sun, who has epilepsy and requires regular medication, is detained at Xuanwei City Detention Center. His wife, Zhao Ying, has appealed for attention to his health and rights.
Aug 29, 2026
Li Qiaochu: Update on Xu Zhiyong’s Situation in Prison (August 29, 2026)
The writer received a letter from Xu Zhiyong dated August 21, 2026, saying his outdoor time had improved to 10 a.m. daily for 30 minutes. Correspondence had also become smoother than during the previous two months. The writer considers the matter closed for now but plans to continue asking about Xu’s basic living conditions. Xu reportedly liked hand-drawn pictures sent with a letter in late July.
Aug 29, 2026
Chow Hang-tung: Statement of Plea
The author rejects a 206-page judgment that, they argue, treats belief in ending one-party dictatorship as unconstitutional and criminal. They say law cannot control thoughts, condemn obedience to authoritarian power, and describe ending one-party dictatorship as a responsibility of Hong Kong and Chinese people. The author refuses to apologize for these beliefs, accepts possible imprisonment, and vows to continue pursuing democracy, accountability for the 1989 massacre and a democratic Hong Kong and China.