The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Monday said reports that citizen journalist and former lawyer Zhang Zhan has been handed a second four-year prison term on the charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” are “deeply disturbing,” calling for her immediate and unconditional release.

“This is the second time Zhang has been convicted and subjected to a custodial sentence for this [offense],” OHCHR spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said, noting due process concerns after independent observers were reportedly barred from the hearing. The UN rights chief has repeatedly urged China to repeal or place a moratorium on the offense, condemning its vague wording and expansive use against those exercising fundamental rights.

Zhang, 42, is believed to have stood

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