Yang Maodong (online alias Guo Feixiong) is a Chinese human rights activist and independent writer. He was born in Gucheng County, Hubei Province. He participated in the 1989 student movement and was one of the key participants and leaders of the New Citizens’ Movement in China. Guo once stated, “Those who oppose constitutional government are all national traitors.”
He was repeatedly imprisoned by the Chinese authorities due to his human rights activities, his defense of Falun Gong practitioners, and his demands for government officials to disclose their assets. Over the years, more than a hundred lawyers have provided legal support for him.
From 2006 to 2011, Guo was imprisoned for five years. On August 8, 2013, he was arrested for allegedly “gathering crowds to disrupt public order” and was subjected to torture. On November 27, 2015, he was sentenced to six years in prison. During his imprisonment, his health deteriorated rapidly—he suffered severe oral bleeding and had difficulty walking. In April 2016, reports emerged that his life was in danger, yet prison authorities still refused to provide timely medical treatment. Lawyer Gao Zhisheng wrote a letter in support of Guo, but it was intercepted by the authorities, sparking widespread concern and international advocacy. Amnesty International issued an urgent action statement on his behalf.
A year after his release, reports surfaced that his wife, who had fled to the United States, was seriously ill. However, he was prevented from boarding a flight to visit her. In January 2022, he was arrested for the third time on charges of “inciting subversion of state power.” On May 8, 2023, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.
