China’s Controversial Use of Psychiatric Hospitals to Suppress Dissent Resurfaces

Recent investigations reveal a troubling increase in the forced hospitalization of individuals in China for political dissent, reminiscent of past abuses. The case of Zhang Junjie, who, at 17, protested the government’s COVID-19 policies, highlights a disturbing trend wherein outspoken citizens are being labeled as mentally ill and treated with anti-psychotic medications without consent.

Junjie, now residing in New Zealand, described being restrained and beaten by hospital staff during his confinement after the police were alerted to his protest. Hospital records indicate that he and at least 58 others have been involuntarily admitted for psychiatric treatment following their challenges to the state's authority. Reports suggest that some patients, like activist Jie Lijian, have undergone electroconvulsive therapy under similar circumstances.

China’s 2013 Mental Health Law aimed to prevent such abuses by requiring voluntary admissions, but experts and victim accounts indicate the system is failing, with enforced hospitalizations increasing. Lawyers attribute this surge to the weakening of civil society and the lack of oversight, allowing local authorities to act with impunity.

The Chinese government has acknowledged these issues, yet as many as 112 individuals since 2013 have attempted to seek judicial recourse for wrongful hospitalization, with a dismal success rate. Current discussions focus on the tightening state control over mental health diagnoses and the implications for civil liberties.

Activist Li Yixue, who recently accused the police of sexual assault, has also reportedly been placed under surveillance following her viral social media posts, sparking further outrage and highlighting the ongoing risks for activists in China.