Chinese Filmmaker faces trial Over Documentary on COVID-19 Protests
A Chinese filmmaker, known as “Plato,” faced trial on January 6, 2025, for his documentary chronicling the nationwide protests that swept China in late 2022. These demonstrations, sparked by frustration over the country’s stringent COVID-19 lockdowns, marked the largest public dissent seen in decades.
‘White Paper’ Protests and a Crackdown on Dissent
These protests, which became known as the ”White Paper” movement, posed a meaningful challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. In response, the Chinese government has actively sought to suppress memories of these events, and Plato’s documentary stands as a direct challenge to this official narrative.
Plato was arrested in January 2024 by Shanghai police following the release of his film,which commemorated the first anniversary of the protests.
The filmmaker faces charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” – a vague legal provision frequently used by the Chinese government to silence critics, activists, lawyers, and journalists. This charge carries a maximum prison sentence of five years for first-time offenders.
China’s Zero-Covid Policy: A Reckoning
In late 2022, a deadly apartment fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang province, ignited a wave of anger that had been simmering beneath the surface across China. Many believed stringent pandemic lockdown measures had hampered rescue efforts, despite official denials. The tragedy became a flashpoint for public frustration after nearly three years of rolling lockdowns, mass testing, and economic hardship under Xi Jinping’s zero-Covid policy.
Unprecedented Protests Erupt
Protests, on a scale unseen as the Tiananmen Square demonstrations of 1989, erupted across the country.From university campuses to the streets of major cities, crowds gathered, demanding an end to the zero-Covid policy. Some protesters denounced censorship and called for greater political freedoms, signaling a deeper dissatisfaction with the ruling Communist Party.
The images of these demonstrations, captured and shared widely on social media, shocked the world and highlighted the growing discontent within Chinese society. The protests represented a significant challenge to the authority of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of the zero-Covid policy and the country’s political future.
The Untold Story of China’s ‘Zero COVID’ Protests: A Documentary Vanishes
A new documentary, “Urumqi Middle Road,” offers a rare glimpse into the unprecedented protests that gripped China in late 2022. The film, which quickly vanished from the internet, captures the raw emotion and defiance of citizens angered by the government’s strict ‘zero COVID’ policy and a deadly apartment fire in Urumqi.
A Nation’s Anger Boils Over
The documentary’s name,”Urumqi Middle Road,” pays homage to the site in Shanghai where protesters gathered to express their discontent. This is an area steeped in symbolism, reflecting the widespread anger over the fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang, which many believe was exacerbated by the government’s stringent lockdown measures.
released on platforms like YouTube and X, which are blocked in mainland china, the documentary showcased the courage of ordinary citizens who dared to challenge the authority of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Footage captured protesters demanding an end to lockdowns and even calling for Xi Jinping’s resignation – an act of remarkable boldness in a nation where dissent is tightly controlled.
A Swift Crackdown and a Sudden Shift
The protests, though initially met with a degree of tolerance, where ultimately quelled by a sweeping security crackdown orchestrated by the CCP. Shortly after the demonstrations subsided, the government abruptly abandoned its ‘zero COVID’ policy. While this shift brought welcome relief to many, it also raised questions about the government’s motivations and the extent to which the protests truly influenced the decision.
A Film Silenced, Its Message Enduring
“Urumqi Middle Road” has since been removed from both YouTube and X, further highlighting
“Urumqi Middle Road” has since been removed from both YouTube and X, further highlighting the Chinese government’s efforts to tightly control the narrative surrounding these historic events. Despite its disappearance,the documentary serves as a stark reminder of the simmering discontent that lies beneath the surface of China’s apparent stability,and the courage of individuals who dared to speak out.
Chinese Filmmaker Faces Backlash After documenting Shanghai Protests
A young Chinese filmmaker, Chen, is facing potential legal repercussions for his documentary chronicling the unprecedented protests that swept across China in November 2022. Chen, who participated in the Shanghai demonstrations protesting the government’s stringent zero-Covid policy, was arrested shortly after releasing his film.
first-Time Activist Turns Filmmaker
For Chen, the protests marked his first foray into public political activism. Inspired by the collective call for change, he decided to document his experiences and reflections in a short film, hoping to shed light on the reasons behind the uprising. As he explained in a post accompanying the film’s release,”I hope to explore why,whenever internal conflicts arise in China,foreign forces are always made the scapegoat. The answer is clear to everyone: the more the government misleads,forgets,and censors,the more we must speak up,remind others,and remember.
He added, “Only by remembering the ugliness can we strive toward the light. I also hope that China will one day embrace its own light and future.”
International Concern Over Chen’s Detention
Chen’s arrest has drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations, who are demanding his immediate release. His case highlights the increasingly restrictive environment for free speech and dissent in China.
China’s Tight Grip on Justice and Freedom of Expression
The Chinese judicial system, heavily influenced by the Communist Party, has a conviction rate exceeding 99%. Trials are frequently enough conducted behind closed doors, lacking transparency and due process. China consistently ranks near the bottom of Reporters Without Borders’ annual press freedom index, currently occupying the 172nd position out of 180 countries.
The Future of Free Speech in China
Chen’s situation raises serious concerns about the future of free speech and dissent in China. His case serves as a stark reminder of the risks individuals face for expressing dissenting views and documenting events that challenge the official narrative.
How did teh 2022 protests challenge Xi Jinping’s leadership legitimacy?
Interview with Dr. mei Ling, Political Analyst and Expert on chinese Civil Society
Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Ling. The trial of filmmaker “Plato” has drawn notable international attention. As an expert on Chinese civil society, how do you interpret the charges against him and the broader implications for freedom of expression in China?
Dr. Mei Ling: Thank you for having me. The charges against Plato are emblematic of the chinese government’s approach to dissent. The charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” is notoriously vague, allowing authorities to criminalize a wide range of activities, from peaceful protests to journalistic work. In Plato’s case, his documentary challenged the official narrative surrounding the 2022 protests, which the government has worked hard to suppress.By prosecuting him, the state is sending a clear message: any attempt to document or discuss these events will be met with severe consequences.
Archyde News: the 2022 protests, frequently enough referred to as the “White paper” movement, were unprecedented in scale. What made them so significant, and why do you think they posed such a challenge to Xi Jinping’s leadership?
Dr. Mei Ling: The 2022 protests were significant because they represented a rare moment of collective action across diverse segments of Chinese society. Unlike previous demonstrations, which were often localized or focused on specific grievances, these protests were nationwide and united by a common frustration with the zero-COVID policy. The movement also saw calls for greater political freedoms and transparency, which directly challenged the authority of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Xi Jinping personally. For a leader who has centralized power and emphasized stability, this was a direct threat to his legitimacy.
Archyde News: Plato’s documentary,”Urumqi Middle Road,” was quickly removed from the internet. How does the Chinese government manage to control the narrative so effectively, especially in the age of social media?
dr.Mei Ling: The Chinese government has developed a sophisticated apparatus for controlling details. This includes not only censorship of domestic platforms but also the ability to monitor and block content on international platforms like YouTube and X. In the case of “Urumqi Middle Road,” the documentary was likely flagged by automated systems and removed by platforms under pressure from Chinese authorities. Additionally, the government employs a vast network of online commentators, often referred to as the “50 Cent Army,” to shape public opinion and discredit dissenting voices. This combination of technological and human resources allows the state to maintain tight control over the narrative.
Archyde News: The protests were initially met with a degree of tolerance before the government cracked down. Why do you think there was this initial hesitation, and what prompted the shift to a more repressive response?
Dr. Mei Ling: the initial tolerance likely reflected uncertainty within the CCP about how to handle such widespread dissent. The protests were spontaneous and decentralized, making them difficult to predict or control. There may have also been internal debates about whether to address the underlying grievances or to suppress the movement outright. However, as the protests grew and began to include calls for political reform, the leadership likely concluded that the risks of allowing them to continue outweighed the benefits. The crackdown was a calculated move to reassert control and prevent the protests from escalating further.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, what do you think the trial of Plato and the suppression of the 2022 protests mean for the future of dissent in china?
Dr. Mei Ling: The trial of Plato and the broader crackdown on dissent send a chilling message to anyone considering challenging the CCP’s authority.Though, it’s critically important to recognise that the underlying grievances that fueled the 2022 protests—economic hardship, frustration with authoritarianism, and a desire for greater freedoms—have not been resolved. while the government may succeed in suppressing visible dissent in the short term,these issues are likely to resurface in the future. The question is not if, but when and how the next wave of dissent will emerge.
Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Ling, for your insights. This has been a interesting discussion, and we appreciate your time.
Dr. mei Ling: Thank you. It’s crucial to continue shedding light on these issues, even as the Chinese government seeks to suppress them. The world must not forget the courage of those who dared to speak out.
