China’s Relentless Assault on Rule of Law and Civil Society, 709 Crackdown
A Decade of Injustice: China’s Ongoing Crackdown on Human Rights Lawyer
Introduction: Ten Years of Suppression, Silence, and Strength
(July 7, 2025) – Ten years after China launched a sweeping suppression campaign against human rights lawyers, global human rights organizations are calling on world governments and the United Nations to initiate an independent international inquiry into Beijing’s relentless repression of civil society. Despite serious human rights abuses—ranging from arbitrary detention to torture—no Chinese officials have been brought to justice. This lack of accountability has only encouraged the authorities to expand and intensify their crackdown, with some violations in regions like Xinjiang potentially rising to the level of crimes against humanity, as recognized by the UN.
As the world marks the tenth anniversary of China’s “709 Crackdown,” international human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have reiterated their concern over Beijing’s ruthless campaign against human rights lawyers and civil society. What began in July 2015 with mass detentions has evolved into a sustained and systematic erosion of legal rights and fundamental freedoms in China.
A Grim Beginning: What Happened on July 9, 2015?
On July 9, 2015, Chinese authorities launched an unprecedented operation targeting over 300 human rights lawyers and legal activists across the country. This operation, now known as the “709 Crackdown,” resulted in arbitrary arrests, secret detentions, and severe prison sentences. Many were charged under vague national security laws, and families of the detained faced harassment, surveillance, and punishment by association.
The Lasting Consequences: A Decade of Fear and Intimidation
Despite the passage of ten years, many of those targeted continue to suffer:
- Lawyers and activists remain imprisoned or under house arrest.
- Travel limitations, job loss, and ongoing surveillance are all experienced by families.
- The activism of their parents creates barriers for children to receive an education.
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD, remains prevalent among affected families.
Crushing the Legal Profession: A Calculated Attack on Rule of Law
The 709 Crackdown was not just an attack on individuals—it was an assault on the very idea of independent legal advocacy in China. Human rights lawyers had previously fought for the vulnerable, represented religious minorities, defended women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, and pushed for reform. Their commitment to upholding China’s own constitution and international legal commitments was met with severe repression.
After 2015, the Chinese government:
- Revoked or suspended licenses of at least 46 lawyers.
- Introduced policies to increase surveillance and ideological control over law firms.
- Used “residential surveillance at a designated location” (RSDL)—a secret detention mechanism condemned by UN experts as tantamount to enforced disappearance.
Beijing’s Expanding Repression: Beyond the Legal Sphere
The crackdown on lawyers paved the way for broader human rights violations, including:
- Arbitrary mass detention and abuse of Uyghurs, with potential crimes against humanity.
- Systematic erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
- Tibetan language and culture are suppressed at educational institutions.
- Constitutional changes enabling indefinite rule by President Xi Jinping.
- Transnational repression targeting Chinese dissidents overseas.
Global Silence and Inaction: An Enabler of Injustice
Although governments and UN bodies initially condemned the 709 Crackdown, concrete accountability has remained elusive. While the UN Committee Against Torture and the UN Special Rapporteurs have raised concerns, China has largely ignored international pressure, further emboldening its repression.
The insufficient international response has allowed the Chinese government to deepen its assault on human rights without consequence.
Call to Action: A Global Responsibility
Human rights organizations urge:
- The establishment of an independent, international investigation into China’s human rights violations.
- Increased assistance to Chinese human rights attorneys and their families.
- Public calls from world leaders for the release of detained legal defenders.
- Inclusion of China’s human rights record in all diplomatic and UN engagements.
The UN Human Rights Council is particularly urged to implement a dedicated mechanism to monitor and report on China’s abuses.
The Human Spirit Endures: Courage in the Face of Oppression
Despite the intimidation, many human rights defenders and their families continue their advocacy. Because of their courage, the mission and memory of “709” have endured.
Without the persistence of family members and activists, the world might have forgotten ‘709.’ Their unity and resistance define the true spirit of justice.”
Human rights activist and former detainee
Conclusion: A Test for the World’s Conscience
The 709 Crackdown represents more than a domestic crackdown—it is a test of the global commitment to human rights and the rule of law. As Beijing continues its campaign of repression, the international community must move beyond statements and take firm, united action to support those still fighting for justice inside China.
