One of China's largest private farmers has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for criticizing the authorities in Beijing. The agricultural empire of the wealthy pig farmer has been confiscated by the state.
Sun Dawu is a 67-year-old former pig farmer who in recent years had become a respected businessman frequently invited to give lectures on agricultural reform and entrepreneurship. From a farmer who started with 2 barns housing 50 pigs and 1,000 chickens, he grew into the CEO of one of China’s largest agricultural companies, the Dawu Group.
Twenty years ago, he first came into contact with the Chinese judiciary, which accused him of “illegal fundraising.” But Sun was acquitted after loud public protests. Afterwards, he continued to be a thorn in the side of the government, often defending political dissidents.
Last year, he openly criticized the way the authorities in Wuhan tried to conceal the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. He also had little good to say about the handling of African swine fever, which forced thousands of his pigs to be culled.
Last year Sun was arrested when some of his employees tried to prevent officials from demolishing one of his company buildings. This time he ended up in prison along with his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, and several dozen employees.
Ultimately, Sun was found guilty on 8 charges, including inciting people to attack government agencies, obstructing officials from performing their duties, and “incitement.” He was also fined more than 400,000 euros.
According to human rights organizations, Sun’s conviction is a consequence of his years of support for critics and dissidents. Sun is not the first entrepreneur to get into trouble. Since President Xi Jinping took office, other successful private companies such as Tencent and Alibaba have also been closely monitored in the government's attempt to gain more control over the private sector.