Xiaolei Wu, a Chinese music student, will be in a US trial after allegedly harassing an activist.
This issue involving Berklee College Of Music is in line with China’s efforts to silence its critics abroad. (Photo: Whitney Veigas)
Xiaolei Wu’s Case
A Chinese music student named Xiaolei Wu is on trial in the US for allegedly harassing an activist. The activist who was allegedly harassed by Xiaolei Wu posted pro-democracy flyers at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Assistant US Attorney Alathea Porter stated that Xiaolei Wu scared the activist, referred to as Zooey. Xiaolei Wu scared the said activist by making online threats to harm her and report her activities to the Chinese government.
The trial for Xiaolei Wu highlights concerns about China’s efforts to silence its critics abroad, as well as threats to academic freedom and monitoring of Chinese students, such as Xiaolei Wu, at international universities.
According to a published article by VOA News, Xiaolei Wu, who has pleaded not guilty, claims his comments were part of an online dispute and not meant as threats. Xiaolei Wu meant it as a reminder of the consequences of the activist’s activism.
A Cornell University Student’s Case
In a published article by The Guardian, a Cornell University student is appearing in federal court for making threats to the university’s Jewish community. Patrick Dai, 21, is charged with threatening to kill or injure using interstate communications.
Prosecutors claim he made threats to shoot, stab, and behead Jews, specifically targeting the campus’s Center for Jewish Living. If convicted, Dai faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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