From Peaceful Life to Political Activism

For newcomers, let's retell the history of Li. He was an unassuming art teacher at an Italian art academy, living life with his two beloved cats. Active on Weibo, China’s equivalent of Twitter, he shared his artwork and personal stories, never imagining that his peaceful existence would be upended by global events. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 was the catalyst that transformed Li’s life. Witnessing the devastating lockdowns in China—where people were starving and some resorted to desperate measures—Li felt an urgent need to speak out.

He began sharing these harrowing stories on Weibo, turning his account into a vital platform for suppressed voices. Despite having no formal journalism training, Li’s commitment to truth resonated with many, quickly making his account a beacon of resistance against authoritarianism. However, this newfound influence did not go unnoticed.