A Chinese court sentenced citizen journalist Zhang Zhan to four years in prison for her independent reporting on the COVID-19 crisis in Wuhan, highlighting Beijing's efforts to control the pandemic narrative. Zhang, a former lawyer, was charged with 'picking quarrels and provoking trouble,' a common accusation used to silence critics. Despite the risks, Zhang documented the outbreak's severity, contrasting state media's portrayal. Her detention and subsequent hunger strike underscore the Chinese government's suppression of independent voices, raising concerns about press freedom and human rights.

The film 'Your Name Engraved Herein,' directed by Patrick Liu, is a poignant love story set in 1987 Taiwan, reflecting the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community during a transitional period post-martial law. The movie, which became the first LGBTQ film to surpass NT$100 million in Taiwan's box office, highlights the societal suppression and harsh realities gay men faced, while also celebrating Taiwan's progress towards LGBTQ rights, culminating in the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019. The film aims to spark conversations about LGBTQ issues and serves as a reminder of the struggles and bravery that paved the way for current freedoms.