"Over 100 Missing After Blank Protest in China... Asked 'Do You Support Feminism?'"

Chinese Authorities Arrest Protesters Using Surveillance Cameras
"Killing Chickens to Scare Monkeys" Criticized

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] Claims have emerged that at least 100 protesters have gone missing following the 'blank paper protest' against the Chinese government's zero-COVID policy.

According to the British BBC on the 18th (local time), during the protests last November, Chinese police rarely arrested protesters, but months later, dozens were reportedly detained by the police. A human rights organization claimed that more than 100 participants in the blank paper protest have gone missing, with most believed to be in custody.

Chinese citizens protesting against COVID-19 lockdown measures with a 'blank paper protest.'
[Photo by Reuters·Yonhap News]

Civil groups have released a list demanding the release of detained protesters. Through interviews with lawyers and acquaintances, the BBC confirmed the names of 12 people arrested in Beijing. Among them, four women?Chao Zixin, Li Sichi, Li Yuanjing, and Zai Dengrui?were reportedly arrested on charges of "provoking fights and causing trouble."

Experts stated, "Such charges in China are notorious and vague, punishable by up to five years in prison, and are frequently used to suppress citizens." Human rights activist and lawyer Teng Biao described to the BBC this as "killing the chicken (protesters) to scare the monkeys (Chinese people)."

Highly Educated Women from Overseas Universities... "Supporting Feminist Movements?" Newspaper

A woman holding a blank protest sign last November. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Particularly notable is that most detainees were women who shared opinions on art and participated in book club discussions. They were reportedly questioned by investigative authorities about whether they supported feminist movements.

An acquaintance of one detainee told the BBC, "My friend is just one of the young people concerned about society," adding, "He is interested not only in women's rights but also in the rights of vulnerable groups. He has nothing to do with feminist activism." The BBC pointed out, "This series of responses shows the Chinese authorities' distrust of women's rights movements."

Meanwhile, the blank paper protest originated last November as a form of resistance against censorship and control under the Chinese government's zero-COVID policy, where protesters held up sheets of paper with no slogans written on them. It is reported as a rare case of public dissatisfaction erupting against the government in China. Authorities reportedly tracked protesters using surveillance cameras and facial recognition software until last month.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated, "Young Chinese people are boldly raising their voices for freedom and human rights and are paying a heavy price," adding, "Chinese authorities are threatening lawyers and friends who tried to support the protesters."

Many protesters studied at universities in Western countries such as the UK and the US, and included highly educated individuals such as writers, journalists, musicians, teachers, and accountants. These universities have also expressed concern about the detainees' whereabouts.

A representative from Goldsmiths, University of London, told the BBC, "We urge Chinese authorities to immediately release all those detained in connection with the protests." The University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia also issued a statement requesting "the resolution of the issue through proper respect for the rule of law and universal human rights."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.