The Case of Shen Du

Shen Du, also known as Zhou Qiang, is a Chinese political commentator and the host of the overseas Chinese-language program Zhou Zhou Kan. For years, he discussed Chinese politics, society, economics, and current affairs from the United States. His commentary was generally known for being independent, moderate, and willing to question official narratives.

In March 2021, Shen returned to China from the United States to visit his family. After completing his COVID-19 quarantine, he suddenly lost contact with his friends and colleagues. His social media accounts stopped updating, and his family reportedly indicated that his situation was serious but could not provide further details.

According to reports published by Voice of America and Radio Free Asia at the time, Shen had apparently been taken into custody. For more than four years, however, the details of his case remained largely unknown.

In June 2025, Shen was reportedly released after serving a four-year-and-three-month prison sentence. However, his freedom reportedly remains severely restricted. He is said to be prohibited from leaving China and from communicating with people overseas, while remaining under close police supervision.

Whatever one’s political views may be, the imprisonment of a person for peaceful political expression raises serious concerns about freedom of speech and due process. Shen’s case also highlights the risks faced by Chinese citizens who engage in political commentary on overseas platforms and later return to China.

His release is welcome, but it should not mark the end of international attention.

We hope Shen Du will eventually be able to communicate freely, travel freely, reunite with the people he cares about, and live without fear of punishment for expressing his views.

Shen Du should not be forgotten. Freedom should not end at the prison gate.