Former human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, who has been detained since 26 December 2019, has for the first time been allowed to meet with his lawyer through two video calls. During these conversations, Ding revealed details about the torture that he was subject to when he was detained under “residential surveillance under designated location” and the harsh condition of the current detention centre. Originally detained for “inciting subversion of state power”, the People Procuratorate of Linyi Shi informed Ding’s lawyer on 20 January that he is now charged with “subversion of state power”. Given Ding’s treatment over the last year, there are grave concerns that he could be at risk of further torture and other ill-treatment.
