Chinese Student Activist Zhang Yadi Detained in China for Supporting Tibetan Rights
**Zhang Yadi**, a 22-year-old Chinese student and activist, has been detained in China for nearly two months on suspicion of "inciting separatism" due to her support for Tibetan rights. The detention occurred while she was visiting family in China during a break from her studies in Europe.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
**Zhang Yadi**, also known as Tara, was scheduled to begin a master's degree at **SOAS University of London** in September. She had returned to **Changsha**, in the Hunan province of China, on July 5 to visit her parents. Her friends and family lost contact with her around July 30. She is reportedly being held incommunicado at a detention center in her hometown.
According to a formal detention notice received by her family, **Zhang** is accused of "inciting separatism," a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. This charge is rarely applied to members of the Han Chinese ethnic majority, but activists say it is increasingly used against those who advocate for the rights of ethnic minorities.
Advocacy and Activism
**Zhang Yadi** was an active member of the **Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet (CYST)**, a digital platform promoting Tibetan rights and inter-ethnic dialogue between Han and Tibetan communities. Under the pseudonym "Tara Freesoul," she contributed articles to the CYST website, which aims to foster understanding of Tibetan culture and challenge Han chauvinism.
Prior to her detention, **Zhang** had been studying in France and was known to have participated in protests against the **Chinese Communist Party (CCP)**, particularly online. Her activism focused on bridging the gap between Han Chinese and Tibetan communities.
Reactions and Concerns
**Human Rights Watch** and other human rights organizations are calling for **Zhang Yadi's** immediate release. **Yalkun Uluyol**, a China researcher at **Human Rights Watch**, stated that Beijing is subjecting **Zhang** to transnational repression for exercising her basic rights. He also called on other countries critical of the Chinese government to protect the rights of their citizens.
A spokesperson for **SOAS University of London** stated that they are aware of reports regarding **Zhang's** detention and are offering support to those impacted through available channels.
Implications and Broader Context
The detention of **Zhang Yadi** highlights the Chinese government's increasing crackdown on individuals who champion minority rights. Ethnic minority communities in China, including Tibetans and Uyghurs, face intense state scrutiny, and authorities suppress any expression of dissent or perceived separatist sentiment.
The charge of inciting separatism has been widely used to convict ethnic Uyghurs and Tibetans during security crackdowns, raising concerns about the suppression of cultural and religious practices in these regions. The Chinese government maintains that these measures are necessary to combat terrorism and extremism.
