Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan, known for her reporting on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, is set to be released from prison on Monday (May 13) after serving a four-year sentence, as reported by UK news media.

Zhang gained international attention for her courageous reporting from Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, in early 2020. Through her videos and reports, she shed light on the situation in the city, including crowded hospitals and deserted streets, revealing details that the Chinese government had kept secret.

However, her efforts to bring transparency to the public's understanding of the pandemic led to her arrest in May 2020. During her imprisonment, Zhang went on a hunger strike in protest, drawing attention to her plight. Her lawyers alleged that she was forcibly fed through a tube by authorities.

In December 2020, a Chinese court sentenced Zhang to four years in prison on charges of inciting conflict and trouble, a move that sparked condemnation from human rights groups and media organizations worldwide.

Zhang's imminent release raises hope for press freedom and the protection of journalists' rights in China. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and activists who seek to hold authorities accountable and report on sensitive issues in the country.