Li Xuezheng
Li Xuezheng (李学政). Also referred to as LXZ or Uncle Li.
Career
LXZ is a director and producer working in China. At the time he first became involved in the Zhang Zhehan controversy, he led Golden Shield Film and Television, not to be confused with Golden Shield Publishing House or Qingtao Golden Shield, companies related to Peng Lihu (also known as "Tony") that implied they were affiliated with GSFT and LXZ in order to spread false information. He was most well-known for the films "In the Name of the People" and "Roving Inspection Team." He was also director of the Chinese Society of Behavioral Law and deputy secretary-general of the Public Opinion Supervision Research Association. According to his own Weibo posts, prior to his career in entertainment he was an investigative journalist. In 2022, he was appointed to serve as Consultant to the Supreme People's Court Film and Television.
LXZ - Help from an Unexpected Source
LXZ spent several months (November 2021 - April 2022) shining a light on both the malfeasance of the Chinese Association of Performing Arts (CAPA), whom he described in a 12/3/21 Weibo post as "a cultural scourge," and the blacklisting of Zhang Zhehan. He called into question CAPA's authority as a voluntary industry association to create lists of immoral artists and helped Zhang move his case into the public eye.
LXZ Enters the Fray, Questions CAPA
On November 21, 2021, LXZ first came to the attention of those following Zhang's story when he made several Weibo posts calling into question CAPA's authority to produce lists of immoral artists. He shared a public notice from the NRTA that stated there is no information designating Zhang Zhehan as an immoral or unethical entertainer. He raised the question of whether the non-governmental CAPA should be permitted to designate an artist as immoral if that directly contradicted a governmental agency.
Initially, attempts were made to silence LXZ. Weibo pulled down his posts and videos and prevented hashtags raising awareness of the issue (such as #Justice for the People#) from appearing on Weibo's Hot Search despite what ultimately became billions of views. He was also approached in person, but was undeterred:
My superior contacted me with request from some department leader to delete my posts questioning CAPA. I replied if this is an order from the party I will delete immediately. There was no follow-up. - November 25, 2021 Weibo post
He also called into question the rules themselves, informing netizens through his posts that a member of CAPA provided him with documentation showing the rules under which CAPA blacklisted Zhang for his 2018 photos came into effect on March 1st, 2021, and were not retroactive. He also mocked their appeal process:
As required by CAPA's notice, an entertainer on the list went to their secretariat to appeal this afternoon. After much ado, CAPA accepted the appeal, but did not provide any receipt and only gave a landline and the name "Mr. Liu". How can such an informal appeals process ensure fairness and justice? - November 30, 2021 Weibo post
LXZ Looks into the Accusations Against Zhang Zhehan
Prior to November 2021, by his own statements, Li Xuezheng was unaware of Zhang Zhehan or his presence on CAPA's list of immoral artists. He made it clear that he did not know whether Zhang was guilty of the actions of which he was accused, but advocated for his right to procedural justice. In defense of some of the claims, he pointed out publicly that the state-run media had promoted the Yazukuni Shrine area as a destination for cherry blossom viewing and posting a video explanation of a photo gesture misreported as something other than a reference to Zhang's short film "Brother."
LXZ also revealed previously unknown facts regarding Zhang's family history, including that Zhang's his mother and several family were CCP members and that Zhang's father had died many years previous (therein debunking several rumors surround Zhang's father).
LXZ Provides Receipts
Zhang's Mother's letter
On December 3, 2021, LXZ posted a letter written by Zhang's mother., Zhang Xia, wherein:
- She detailed the suffering and abuse Zhang's family had endured
- She asked that they be investigated by the party
- She stated that if Zhang did in fact enter the shrine, they would willingly die for their crimes
This is the only verified writing from her post 8/13.
Police Report
On December 24, 2021, LXZ posted a photo of the Beijing Police Department's acceptance of Zhang's case, adding:
Zhang Zhehan previously tried to file case at other police departments, but his case was not accepted because of the extreme environment of cyber violence and public opinion. He had lost all legal rights of a normal citizen. Recently, after analysis by legal experts, encouragement by experts in the political and legal system, and rational public discussion, we know that this type of malicious slander has caused serious personal injury to individual citizens and constitutes the basis of a criminal case. State forces should and have intervened and he was encouraged to report to the Beijing police. This afternoon, the Chaoyang Branch of the Beijing Police finally officially accepted Zhang Zhehan's report, the Beijing police should be commended! ! ! ! We expect this to be the beginning of criminal investigations, and civil litigation will also begin. - December 24, 2021 Weibo post
Interview with Zhang Zhehan
On January 1, 2022, LXZ posted an audio interview with Zhang in the presence of legal professionals and over 10 NPC deputies and CPPCC members. Through the interview, Zhang Zhehan confirms:
- He did not visit Yasukuni Shrine
- He does not know Dewi Sukarno
- He has no foreign (Japanese) relations
Zhang indicated that the slander and abuse have severely affected his family; all he asked was that he be given a chance to defend himself. LXZ later reported that several legal professionals approached him to offer legal assistance to Zhang as a result.
After the Interview
After the interview, LXZ continued posting. This section will be expanded when possible.
LXZ Exits Weibo
On April 8, LXZ's Weibo and Toutiao accounts were deleted. The Weibo for "Roving Inspection Team" posted;
At this important moment forwarding some words from director LXZ: “No matter when or under what circumstances, I firmly believe in justice and our socialist country under the leadership of the party! I am fine, thanks for your concern! I look forward to everyone doing their jobs well, being law-abiding citizens, dedicating their efforts to the country, and loving our party and government! There is no more LXZ on social media."
In addition, the Weibo for "Golden Shield Film and Television" posted a message regarding LXZ:
Thank you everyone for your concern, too many private messages so replying to all: Director LXZ’s work is fine! Time and age changes, but our original intention and busyness do not. We strive for sincerity and kindness, we uphold belief and principles, we love our country and era, and we are happy in our experience and acquaintance.
LXZ has made no further statements on social media, however mention of his work has appeared within Weibo as his career has continued.