Zeng Jinyan, wife of renowned human rights advocate Hu Jia, has suffered serious implications since Hu’s arrest. Two policewomen have moved into Zeng’s home in order to monitor her 24 hours round clock. During the Olympic Games, Zeng was banished from Beijing, and was transferred through Dalian and Shijiazhuang, before being returned to Beijing on August 30th.
According to Hu Jia’s mother, when Zeng attempted to return to Beijing on August 23rd, she was once again chased by police to Shijiazhuang, where she was forced to stay at the municipal committee reception center until August 30th. Insiders revealed to SOH on September 24th, (recording) “When Zeng Jinyan had just returned home, she was under surveillance. Not even one phone call could get through. She was at a little hotel in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, while she carried her 10 month old baby, homeless and miserable. Now there are 2 policewomen living in her house, so it is not convenient for her to contact the outside world.”

The two policewomen take shifts to stay at Zeng’s home. On Hu Jia’s birthday, numerous media reporters arrived outside her residence. Yet when Zeng stood briefly at the balcony, she was immediately pulled back by police. (Recording) “The policewomen followed her on the way home, she came back to Beijing on August 30th. The policewomen followed her for 24 hour surveillance; there are police officers outside her residence, and two police vehicles at her door. Since Hu Jia was taken away, two police officers have lived in her home, making things exceptionally difficult. On Hu Jia’s birthday, July 25th this year, many interested reporters came. Yet Zeng Jinyan only stood on the balcony for a moment, and police officers quickly pulled her back inside.”

Due to police surveillance and restrictions, Zeng has been unable to expose much of her situation on Internet blogs. (Recording) “They don’t let her write, she could only mention things very briefly. It seemed she did not stay in Dalian for many days before being in Shijiazhuang. Some things she cannot write about, and could only read blogs when they’re not looking. Certain things she has no way of expressing. Her mother in law delivered a mobile phone to her, but she is afraid to make calls.”

Hu Jia was arrested by government officials for his advocacy for the rights of AIDS patients, and numerous human rights advocates in mainland China. In April 2008 he was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment by Beijing Second Middle Court. He is currently imprisoned at the Chadian Chaobai Prison in Tianjin province.

The above was brought to you by Tian Xi, Lin Jing and Chris Thomas for Inside China Today on SOH Radio Network.