On 10th anniversary of the detention of jailed Swedish publisher Gui Minhai in China

B100435/2025

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on 10th anniversary of the detention of jailed Swedish publisher Gui Minhai in China

(2025/2906(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on the People’s Republic of China (PRC)

having regard to Rule 150 (5) of its Rules of Procedure,

Whereas Gui Minhai, a Hong Kong-Swedish citizen, publisher, and co-founder of the Hong Kong-based Mighty Current publishing house and its bookshop, publishing and selling works critical of China’s Communist leaders, was abducted in Thailand in October 2015 and later appeared in Chinese custody, allegedly confessing under duress to past criminal charges;

Whereas four of his colleagues also disappeared at various moments in October 2015, who were all gradually released in the subsequent months;

Whereas Gui Minhai was released in 2017 but was again detained by Chinese authorities in January 2018 while traveling with Swedish diplomats;

Whereas in February 2020, Gui Minhai was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Chinese court in Ningbo on charges of "illegally providing intelligence" to foreign entities, a charge widely viewed as politically motivated and lacking transparency; whereas since 2020 his whereabouts are unknown;

Whereas Gui Minhai has reportedly been denied access to independent legal counsel, consular support, and adequate medical care, in violation of international law and diplomatic norms;

Whereas his case is emblematic of the Chinese government's broader crackdown on freedom of expression, academic freedom, and human rights, including in Hong Kong;

Strongly condemns the continued detention and sentencing of Gui Minhai and calls for his immediate and unconditional release;

Urges the Chinese authorities to respect its international human rights obligations, by granting Gui Minhai consular visits and the right to medical treatment and to reveal his whereabouts;

Calls on the EU and its Member State raise Gui Minhai’s case, as well as all other individual cases of European citizens imprisoned in China, including dual nationals, at all levels of engagement with China, including through bilateral dialogues and multilateral forums;

Calls on the Council to consider targeted restrictive measures under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against officials responsible for Gui Minhai’s detention and ill-treatment;

Expresses concern about the ongoing deterioration of human rights and the rule of law in the PRC, including in Hong Kong, and in particular the targeting of individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression;

Reaffirms its unwavering support for all those fighting for freedom of expression and human rights in the PRC and Hong Kong;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the EEAS, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Government and National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China,