Chinese rights lawyer Wen Donghai has filed complaints after court officers forcibly removed him from a courthouse in Gongcheng, Guangxi, leaving him with an injured wrist, according to people familiar with the incident.
Wen traveled to attend the trial of lawyer Duan Hua on July 10. The court had refused a request to delay proceedings so newly appointed defense counsel could complete formalities and review the case file. When lawyers and observers arrived, they learned that the hearing had been canceled that morning.
Wen submitted a request seeking compensation for the time and costs incurred. Witnesses said more than 10 court officers then seized his phone, restrained him and dragged him away. He was released about two hours later after information about the incident circulated online.
Wen reported the incident to police and requested a disciplinary investigation of the Gongcheng court. Supporters said the confrontation occurred near the 11th anniversary of China’s “709” crackdown on rights lawyers and may reflect continued pressure on members of the legal profession who take politically sensitive cases.
Wen previously represented dissidents and Falun Gong practitioners. Authorities revoked his legal license in 2018, and he has faced travel restrictions connected to his rights work. His wife and two children left China in 2020.
Image: Rights lawyer Wen Donghai was forcibly removed from a Guangxi courthouse on July 10, 2026. (Image: The Epoch Times)
Source: The Epoch Times
