The European Union criticized China today, Tuesday, for "imprisoning a journalist who reported from Wuhan on the Corona virus in the early stages of its outbreak."

A Chinese court had sentenced the Chinese journalist Zhang Chan to four years in prison, who reported on the crisis at its height in the city, who was the first to detect HIV infections, and her lawyer said that his client was imprisoned on charges of "causing disagreements and stirring up unrest."

The European Union called for the immediate release of Zhang, the release of lawyer Yu Winxing, and a number of other human rights defenders and other detainees who participated in covering this topic.

"According to reliable sources, Ms. Zhang was subjected to torture and ill-treatment during her detention, and her health condition deteriorated greatly," an EU foreign affairs spokesman said in a statement.

The European Union’s criticism on this issue comes a day before the leaders of the European Union and China conclude a deal that gives European companies more access to the Chinese market.

Source: Reuters

By:Nadeemy Haded