Chinese billionaire Sun Dawu has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sedition and disturbing public order. The judge also found it proven that Sun had illegally raised funds. But according to human rights groups, his imprisonment is politically motivated and he is being punished for supporting political dissidents.
The wealthy businessman owns one of the largest private agricultural companies in China. He has repeatedly criticized government policy, especially on agricultural matters. In 2019, he criticized the lax approach to a swine fever outbreak by local authorities. He supported dissidents financially and last year publicly called on President Xi Jinping to step down.
When the state wanted to demolish one of his business premises, he mobilized his employees to oppose it. In doing so, Sun “incited its employees to attack government agencies,” the judge ruled yesterday.
take the blame
The entrepreneur was arrested last November. His wife, two sons and some employees were also arrested and have sentences up to twelve years got.
“We are people who have contributed to society. The way I am being examined now makes those who are close to me suffer and those who hate me rejoice,” Sun said at the hearing. He offered to take all the blame in exchange for the release of the others.
The state has taken over all of Sun’s business.
Previously convicted
Sun Dawu was also sentenced to prison in 2003 for illegally raising funds. That conviction sparked so much protest from civilians and human rights organizations that the sentence was overturned.
–
