Speech Crime in Imperial China

Case illustrating how speech could be criminalized as yaoyan, leading to capital punishment without clear evidence of overt action.

Case of He Ayong's Conviction for Seditious Speech in Dingzhou during the Jinglong Era
  1. Case of He Ayong's Conviction for Seditious Speech in Dingzhou during the Jinglong Era
  2. Jurisdiction: China (During the Jinglong era (707-710 AD), Tang Dynasty)
  3. Original Case: Jinglong Nianjian Dingzhou He Ayong Zuo Yaoyan An
  4. DefendantsHe AyongInstitutionsTang Dynasty Dingzhou Prefectural Government
  5. Case Tags: Yaoyan (Seditious Speech);Tang Zhongzong Jinglong Period;Speech Crime in Imperial China;Dingzhou Prefecture