Chinese Man Detained After Pro-Democracy Banner Protest in Chengdu

Chinese police have arrested 27-year-old Mei Shilin after he displayed pro-democracy banners on a bridge in Chengdu, southwest China, earlier this month, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). Officials are now investigating whether Mei has any connections abroad. They have placed him under criminal detention. In China, this type of detention, often used for national security-related charges, can mean months in custody without formal charges. Authorities hold suspects under “residential surveillance at a designated location,” where they face constant monitoring, repeated interrogations, and sometimes even torture, as reported by RFA.

Mei Missing for Over 10 Days

Mei lived in Yongfu town, Muchuan county, Sichuan province. He has not been seen for more than 10 days. Officials detained him soon after confirming that he was the person behind the three protest banners seen on a bridge near Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station on April 15.

Banners Demanded Political Reform

The banners carried strong pro-democracy messages. One read: “Without political system reform, there will be no national rejuvenation.” Another said: “The people do not require a political party with unchecked power.” The third declared: “China does not need anyone to dictate the direction, democracy is the direction,” according to RFA.

Possible Charges

Legal experts suggest that authorities may charge Mei with “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” a common accusation in China used to silence activists and critics. Lu Chenyuan, a legal analyst, told RFA, “They (the prosecution) might pursue a case for the offense of picking quarrels and provoking trouble because they prefer to avoid bestowing upon him a more consequential charge, such as inciting subversion of state power or subverting state power.”

Echoes of “Bridge Man” Protest

Mei’s protest reminded many of Peng Lifa, famously called “Bridge Man,” who also used banners to speak out against the government in 2022. Peng hung his protest signs on Beijing’s Sitong Bridge, and his slogans became symbols during the White Paper protests later that year.

During those protests, people in several cities held up blank sheets of paper to represent how authorities were silencing them. The demonstrations grew out of anger over strict COVID-19 lockdowns and limits on freedom, RFA noted.