Human Rights in China, headquartered in New York, is calling for the immediate release of Peng Lifa (Peng Zaizhou) by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

On 13th October 2022, Peng Lifa acted alone and of his own volition when he hung banners on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing, an act which sent shockwaves throughout China and the world. He courageously spoke out against the extreme zero-COVID policy and authoritarian governance, condemning the Chinese government’s deprivation of freedom and dignity from citizens of the PRC. Under a period of invasive and extreme surveillance, such an action was exceptionally rare, and tore through the iron curtain then enforced on civil society by Chinese authorities. Although the government worked quickly to suppress the news; secretly detaining Peng and making him disappear, and even targeting his family - his protest ignited the spark of the White Paper Movement. It inspired countless individuals across the PRC to pursue freedom and justice themselves.

Peng Lifa’s banners read: “We want dignity, not lies; we want reform, not a Cultural Revolution; we want to be citizens, not slaves.” These slogans expressed the sentiments of countless Chinese citizens. Peng wasn’t just speaking for himself, but for the millions of people struggling under lockdowns and state-directed deception. Two years have passed, and Peng Lifa’s whereabouts remain unknown. Despite efforts by authorities to erase place names and censor information surrounding his protest - to bury it from collective memory - Peng Lifa’s actions have become part of history. They represent the refusal of Chinese citizens to remain silent.

Human Rights in China is urging the Chinese government, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), to immediately release Peng Lifa and to cease the harassment and persecution of his family. Peng Lifa’s courage has become a beacon for countless individuals, illuminating the path forwards in the pursuit of freedom. Oppressors may have the power to temporarily obscure and stifle the truth, but they cannot extinguish the flame which has sparked nationwide and across borders. It has been reported that over one hundred people were arrested in Beijing alone for demonstrating their support for Peng Lifa. In late July this year (2024), Fang Yirong hung similar protest banners in Loudi, Hunan Province. Fang also called for democracy and freedom in China, echoing Peng Lifa’s call to the authorities. Despite a multi-tiered and extensive system of censorship, Peng Lifa’s voice continues to resonate inside and outside China.

Here, Human Rights in China once again reaffirms its opposition to any form of enforced disappearances and suppression of free speech. Peng Lifa and his family should not be forcibly disappeared. They must be released, immediately. The release of Peng Lifa would represent not only a restoration of his personal dignity, safety and health - and for those of his family members and friends, too - but also a signal of commitment to respect for human rights, and greater individual freedom throughout Chinese society.

The Chinese government, the CCP, may believe that enforced disappearances will eventually silence the issue and eradicate its roots. But the flame which Peng ignited burns within the heart of every person who seeks freedom. This struggle will only end when every Chinese citizen has the freedom to express their opinions.

PengLifa #SitongBridge