Xiaolei Wu, a former Berklee College of Music student from China, was recently sentenced to nine months in prison for stalking and threatening an individual who had posted a pro-democracy flyer on the campus. The flyer contained statements in support of democracy in China and the Chinese people. In response, Wu threatened the person, including threats to chop off their hands and reporting their family to China’s public security agency. He also publicly posted the person’s email address and asked others to find out where they lived. This behavior was deemed as a serious crime by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston.
The victim who posted the flyer is a U.S. permanent resident originally from China who still has family members residing in China. Wu’s actions were intended to instill fear in the victim and discourage them from speaking out against the Chinese government. In January, Wu was convicted of one count of stalking and one count of interstate transmission of threatening communication. Along with the nine-month prison sentence, he was also given three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy expressed the seriousness of Wu’s criminal conduct, stating that he used the fear of potential retribution from the Chinese government to harass and threaten an innocent individual. By resorting to violent threats, Wu achieved his goal of silencing the victim and others who may have wanted to speak out against the Chinese government. Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, Jodi Cohen, emphasized the disturbing nature of Wu’s actions, highlighting the use of authoritarian tactics to target someone critical of the ruling Communist Party of China.
Despite the severity of the case, Wu’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. This incident sheds light on the lengths to which some individuals may go to suppress criticism and opposition to the Chinese government, even in other countries like the United States. It underscores the importance of upholding individuals’ rights to express their views and engage in peaceful activism without facing threats or intimidation.
The sentencing of Xiaolei Wu serves as a warning to others who may seek to use fear and violence to silence dissenting voices. It sends a message that harassing, threatening, and stalking individuals who express opinions contrary to the Communist Party of China will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences. Ultimately, Wu’s actions were seen as a clear infringement on the victim’s constitutional rights and a violation of basic principles of free speech and democracy.
In conclusion, Xiaolei Wu’s case highlights the need to protect individuals who dare to speak out against oppressive regimes, such as the Chinese government, both domestically and internationally. It underscores the importance of standing up for the fundamental rights of all individuals to express their opinions without fear of reprisal or violence. The justice system’s response to Wu’s criminal behavior demonstrates a commitment to upholding these values and holding accountable those who seek to suppress freedom of speech and expression.
