作者：朱晓娜
编辑：胡丽莉 校对：熊辩
2025年2月17日，李延贺一案在上海市第一中级人民法院一审宣判。官方通报称，其因“煽动分裂国家罪”被判处有期徒刑三年，剥夺政治权利一年，并处没收个人财产人民币五万元。通报还表示，当事人当庭表示认罪服法，在法定上诉期内未提起上诉，判决已经生效。
李延贺是台湾出版机构八旗文化的出版人，多年来出版了大量涉及中国历史、政治以及社会问题的书籍。2023年，他在上海探亲期间被有关部门带走调查。此案在很长时间里缺乏公开信息，直到判决公布，外界才逐渐了解案件结果。
作为一名曾经生活在中国大陆、如今身在海外的华人，我看到这样的新闻感到十分沉重。因为我非常清楚，在中国表达不同意见可能带来的后果。我曾经因为在社交媒体上发表个人经历以及对社会问题的看法，被当地警方上门要求删除相关内容。当时的经历让我深刻意识到，在中国，普通公民的表达空间是十分有限的。
那次事件之后，我开始更加关注中国的言论环境以及公民权利问题。我逐渐意识到，很多社会问题之所以长期存在，很大程度上是因为缺乏公开讨论和自由表达的空间。当不同意见无法被表达时，社会也就失去了自我修正的能力。
后来我来到美国，在这里接触到了更多关于民主制度、公民权利以及言论自由的理念。生活在一个可以公开表达意见的社会里，让我第一次真正体会到自由表达的重要性。正是在这样的环境下，我加入了中国民主党，并开始参与海外华人的民主活动。
过去两年中，我多次参与与中国人权和民主议题有关的公开活动，包括纪念历史事件的集会、声援政治案件的抗议活动，以及呼吁关注中国人权问题的公共活动。据不完全统计，我参与的相关活动已经超过80场。在这些活动中，我不仅参与集会，还举牌发言，表达自己对中国政治现状的看法。许多活动都有媒体报道，也留下了照片和视频记录。
对我来说，这些活动不仅仅是政治表达，更是一种责任。我相信，一个社会只有允许不同声音存在，允许历史与现实被不断讨论，才有可能真正进步。出版、写作以及公共讨论，本来就是推动社会发展的重要力量。
李延贺案再次提醒我们，在当今世界，思想与信息早已跨越国界传播，但制度之间的差异仍然深刻影响着个人命运。同样的观点、同样的书籍，在不同制度之下可能会被赋予完全不同的意义。
也正因为如此，像我这样身在海外的人，才更加珍惜表达的权利。虽然离开了中国，但我仍然关注中国社会的发展，也希望未来有一天，中国的普通公民能够在不必担心风险的情况下讨论历史、表达观点、参与公共事务。
对于很多海外华人来说，表达本身或许是一件很小的事情，但在某些环境下，它却意味着勇气。正因为经历过压抑与限制，我们才更加明白自由表达的价值。
Reflections on the Value of Freedom of Speech Through the Case of Li Yanhe
Author: Zhu XiaonaEditor: Hu Lili Proofreader: Xiong Bian Translator: Peng Xiaomei
Abstract:Li Yanhe was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of “inciting separatism,” drawing attention to China’s environment for free expression. Reflecting on personal experiences, the author discusses the limitations on freedom of speech and emphasizes the importance of open expression and public discussion.
On February 17, 2025, the case of Li Yanhe was sentenced in the first instance at the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court. According to the official announcement, he was convicted of the crime of “inciting separatism” and sentenced to three years in prison, one year of deprivation of political rights, and a fine of 50,000 RMB in confiscated personal assets. The announcement also stated that Li Yanhe accepted the verdict in court and did not file an appeal within the statutory appeal period, meaning the judgment has taken legal effect. Li Yanhe is the publisher of Gusa Press, a Taiwanese publishing house that has released numerous books concerning Chinese history, politics, and social issues. In 2023, he was taken away by authorities for investigation while visiting family in Shanghai. For a long time, the case lacked publicly available information, and it was not until the verdict was announced that the outside world gradually learned of the outcome.
As someone who once lived in mainland China and now resides overseas, I felt deeply saddened when I read this news. I understand very clearly the consequences that can arise from expressing different opinions in China. I once posted about my personal experiences and views on social issues on social media. As a result, local police visited my home and demanded that I delete the content. That experience made me realize how limited the space for expression is for ordinary citizens in China.
After that incident, I began paying closer attention to the environment for free speech and civil rights in China. Gradually, I came to realize that many social problems persist largely because there is no open space for discussion and free expression. When differing opinions cannot be voiced, society loses the ability to correct itself.
Later, I came to the United States, where I encountered more ideas about democratic institutions, civil rights, and freedom of speech. Living in a society where people can openly express their views allowed me, for the first time, to truly appreciate the importance of free expression. In such an environment, I joined the Chinese Democracy Party and began participating in democratic activities among overseas Chinese communities.
Over the past two years, I have taken part in numerous public events related to human rights and democracy in China, including commemorative gatherings for historical events, protests in support of political prisoners, and public activities calling attention to human rights issues in China. According to incomplete statistics, I have participated in more than 80 such events. In these activities, I have not only attended rallies but also held signs and spoken publicly about my views on China’s political situation. Many of these events have been covered by the media and documented through photos and videos.
For me, these activities are not merely political expressions—they represent a sense of responsibility. I believe that a society can truly progress only when it allows different voices to exist, when history and present realities can be openly discussed. Publishing, writing, and public debate are essential forces that drive social development.
The case of Li Yanhe once again reminds us that in today’s world, ideas and information easily cross-national borders, yet differences in political systems continue to profoundly shape individual destinies. The same ideas and the same books may be interpreted in completely different ways under different political systems.
It is precisely for this reason that people like me, living overseas, cherish the right to express ourselves even more. Although I have left China, I still care deeply about its future and hope that one day ordinary Chinese citizens will be able to discuss history, express opinions, and participate in public affairs without fear of punishment.
For many overseas Chinese, expression may seem like a small act. Yet in certain environments, it requires great courage. And precisely because we have experienced repression and restriction, we understand even more deeply the true value of freedom of expression.
