China: Incommunicado detention and possible sentencing of Ms Zhang Yadi, young defender of Tibetan rights

The Observatory has been informed of the ongoing arbitrary and incommunicado detention, and possible sentencing, of Ms Zhang Yadi, young student member of the group Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet and human rights defender engaged in fostering dialogue between Chinese and Tibetan communities and in challenging discriminatory narratives promoted by Chinese authorities. She has expressed her views through her writings and participation in peaceful demonstrations, including while residing abroad.

On 31 July 2025, Ms Zhang Yadi was arrested by officers of the State Security Bureau while visiting her family in Changsha, Hunan Province. She was subsequently placed in detention at a facility operated by the Changsha National Security Bureau. Since her arrest and until publication of this Urgent Appeal, she has reportedly been held incommunicado, with no regular access to her family or a lawyer. No information is available regarding her detention conditions or her health.

On September 2025, Chinese authorities allegedly charged Ms Zhang under Article 103(2) of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China, which criminalises “inciting separatism” and “endangering national security”. The date of the trial has not been announced, and it could take place at any time. If convicted, Ms Zhang could face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

At the time of publication of this Urgent Appeal, Ms Zhang Yadi seemed to still be detained at Changsha National Security Detention. The absence of information regarding her condition and her incommunicado detention raise serious concerns about her physical integrity and psychological well-being.

Ms Zhang Yadi, who comes from a Han Chinese background, developed an interest in Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan culture during her secondary education. In 2022, she moved to France to pursue higher education, and became involved in discussions and peaceful actions related to human rights in China. During this period, she participated in demonstrations organised by the Tibetan diaspora and used social media to publish reflections on political repression, historical memory, and the situation of marginalised communities in China.

She also contributed to Chinese Youth Stand for Tibet - a platform created following the “White Paper” protests in November 2022 in China - to promote understanding of Tibetan history, culture, and human rights among Chinese-speaking audiences, while countering ethnic prejudice and China’s propaganda and promoting dialogue based on mutual understanding and respect.

After graduating from the École Supérieure de Commerce of Paris (ESPC Business School), Ms Zhang was expected to begin postgraduate studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London in September 2025. Her arrest occurred shortly before her planned return to Europe.

The Observatory recalls that the situation of human rights defenders in China is extremely concerning. The Chinese authorities continue to impose severe restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, especially through the misuse of large defined national security offences to criminalise peaceful dissent.

The Observatory strongly condemns the arbitrary detention and judicial harassment of Ms Zhang Yadi, which appears to be aimed at punishing her for her legitimate human rights activities and deterring others from engaging in peaceful advocacy related to Tibetan rights.

The Observatory calls for her release and urges the Chinese authorities to respect Ms Zhang’s fundamental rights to liberty, freedom of expression, and fair trial.