On 6 May 2025, The Rights Practice issued a joint statement along with Lawyers for Lawyers, Asian Lawyers Network, The Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, The 29 Principles, The Law Society of England and Wales and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute to express our grave concern over the recent sentencing of prominent human rights lawyer Lu Siwei to 11 months' imprisonment following a closed trial in Chengdu, China.

On 18 April 2025, the Chenghua District Court sentenced Lu Siwei to 11 months in prison and imposed a fine of 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,370) for the alleged offence of ‘illegally crossing the border’. The proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, raising serious concerns regarding the fairness of the trial and Lu Siwei’s due process rights under international law. We are advised that Lu Siwei intends to appeal the verdict. We strongly emphasise the urgent need for Lu Siwei’s right to an effective remedy and fair trial to be fully respected, including access to independent legal counsel in order to meaningfully challenge his conviction.

We are deeply concerned that Lu Siwei’s arrest, detention, and sentencing are directly linked to the peaceful exercise of his professional duties as a lawyer and his legitimate efforts to seek safety and reunite with his family.

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