Chang Weiping, a Chinese human rights lawyer, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on Thursday shortly after he was found guilty of “subversion of State Power.” He is known for defending marginalized groups and those facing discrimination, and for speaking out about his treatment at the hands of Chinese police.

“It is an outrage that Chang Weiping faces jail simply for speaking out about the torture he says he faced at the hands of the police,” said the Head of Amnesty International’s China Team Sarah Brooks in a statement. “He was convicted in a closed-door trial that even his wife was prevented from attending, and he has been denied regular access to his lawyer throughout his time in custody.

Chang initially stood trial on 26th July 2022 behind closed doors at the Feng County Detention Center in Baoji city, Shaanxi province. During this time, dozens of police officers blocked Chang’s wife and his family from attending the trial.

Chang had previously published a video in October 2020 denouncing the physical torture he was subjected to while in detention under RSDL on charges contrary to Article 105 (1) of China’s Criminal law.

The verdict on Chang raises questions about the way China treats its prisoners. Authorities had detained Chang and forced him into the Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location (RSDL) system. They also also cancelled his lawyers license. After meeting his lawyers, he said that the police tortured him.

China is a party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and therefore has responsibilities under international law to prevent torture. Human rights advocates have condemned China’s treatment of Chang and continue to call for his release, with Brooks saying that “Chang Weiping is a dedicated advocate for human rights protections who has been jailed solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression. He must be released immediately.”