SILENCED

Beijing Sentences ‘Vulgar Butcher’ Rights Activist to Prison

Wu Gan gets 8 years for “subverting state power”—the longest in China’s crackdown.

A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced political activist Wu Gan, the self-proclaimed “Ultra Vulgar Butcher,” to eight years in prison for subversion of state power—the harshest term to date in Beijing’s new crackdown on rights campaigners and activists. Wu’s lawyer said he intends to appeal. Wu had gained notoriety for his brash online tactics, including portraits in which he brandishes knives he says he will use to “slaughter the pigs” among China’s corrupt local officials. Wu said Tuesday he was “grateful to the party for granting me this lofty honor.” He added, “I will remain true to our original aspiration, roll up my sleeves, and make an extra effort.”