A former Berklee College of Music student from China has been sentenced to nine months in prison for stalking and threatening an individual who posted a flyer in support of democracy in China. The leaflet, which read “Stand with Chinese People,” “We Want Freedom,” and “We Want Democracy,” was posted on the campus in Boston on October 22. In response, Xiaolei Wu, 26, threatened to harm the person by chopping off their hands, reporting their family to China’s public security agency, and publicly posting their email address. Wu’s actions were seen as an attempt to silence and intimidate individuals who spoke out against the Chinese government.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy described Wu’s conduct as serious, stating that he used the fear of retaliation from the Chinese government to harass and threaten an innocent individual. The victim, a U.S. permanent resident originally from China, with family still living there, was targeted for expressing pro-democracy sentiments. Wu was convicted in January of one count of stalking and one count of interstate transmission of threatening communication. In addition to the nine-month prison sentence, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Jodi Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, emphasized the seriousness of Wu’s actions and the consequences of harassing, threatening, and stalking individuals for expressing critical views of the Chinese Communist Party. Cohen noted that Wu’s use of China’s authoritarian nature to intimidate the victim was disturbing. Wu’s lawyer did not respond to requests for comment on the case. The sentencing sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the United States.
The case highlights the importance of free expression and democracy, as well as the lengths to which individuals may go to suppress dissenting views. Wu’s actions were intended to instill fear and silence individuals who spoke out against the Chinese government. The victim, a courageous individual who posted the pro-democracy flyer on the Berklee campus, was subjected to intimidation and threats as a result. The FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office worked to ensure justice was served in this case.
The victim’s bravery in standing up for democracy and freedom of expression, despite facing threats and harassment, is commendable. The support for Chinese people seeking freedom and democracy, displayed through the flyer, should be seen as an act of courage and a call for justice. The sentencing of Xiaolei Wu serves as a warning to others who may seek to suppress dissenting views through intimidation and threats. The U.S. government is committed to upholding the rights of individuals to express their opinions without fear of violence or retribution.
