At least five Chinese lawyers from a human rights law firm were detained [3] on July 11 after being accused of running a criminal syndicate and smear campaign against the Communist Party [4]. The arrests come amid President Xi Jinping [5]'s attempts to discredit the rights defense movement [6] which has been challenging the government through protests and litigation. Amnesty International reported [7] that it is believed that more than 50 human rights lawyers and activists have been targeted by authorities for detention and questioning since a nationwide crackdown began July 9.
From Jurist [8], July 12. Used with permission.
