Up First from NPR The Sunday Story: The Invisible Hand of Fear
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Jul 21, 2024 
Frank Langfitt, NPR's global democracy correspondent known for his insights on China, shares the gripping story of Gao Zhi, a Chinese dissident who fled to the Netherlands after criticizing the Communist Party. Together with fellow dissident Wang Jingyu, they navigate treacherous waters of fear, manipulation, and isolation in a foreign land. The podcast unpacks the psychological toll of authoritarian tactics, exploring themes of betrayal, trust, and the struggle for identity amidst ongoing threats from their homeland.
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Gao Zhi's Escape to the Netherlands
- Gao Zhi, a working-class man, criticized the Chinese Communist Party online after learning about the Hong Kong protests.
- He fled to the Netherlands, leaving his family, after police questioned his father about his whereabouts.
Wang Jingyu's Activism and Harassment
- Wang Jingyu, a young dissident, gained attention for challenging the Chinese government's narrative about a border clash with India.
- He sought asylum in the Netherlands, believing he would be safe, but began receiving harassing calls and messages.
Wang and Gao's Meeting
- Wang, claiming he was being harassed, moved into Gao's home.
- Wang continued giving interviews to the media from Gao's house.