A press freedom organization has raised alarm about the declining health of Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu, as reported by his family. Dong Yuyu was recently hospitalized and diagnosed with an unidentified tumor, prompting calls for his release on medical grounds. He is currently receiving medical care at a prison-affiliated hospital in Tianjin city, China.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urged the international community to pressure Beijing to allow Dong Yuyu to seek medical treatment abroad and be reunited with his family. The journalist’s family revealed that a computed tomography scan showed a significant tumor in his left lung, requiring further tests to determine its nature. Additionally, Dong Yuyu has been experiencing arrhythmia and is under continuous monitoring for evaluation.
The harsh conditions of Dong Yuyu’s detention over the past four years have severely impacted his health, according to his family. They are advocating for his immediate release to access necessary life-saving treatment. RSF highlighted the challenging prison conditions in China, expressing deep concerns about Dong Yuyu’s well-being and the lack of adequate medical support for prisoners.
Described as a rare independent voice in China’s state media, Dong Yuyu faced a seven-year prison sentence in November 2024 after two years of pre-trial detention. With a 35-year career at Guangming Daily, he consistently reported on human rights violations and abuses of power. RSF emphasized the dire state of China’s prisons, known for unsanitary conditions and lack of transparency, leading to various forms of mistreatment and abuse of detained journalists.
