Ding, an activist against demolitions, illegal land grabs and black jails, had been free less than a month after being released from detention on bail March 19. She and four other activists were arrested on charges relating to a daring black jail rescue of petitioners last year. 

During their eight month detention they were tortured, they told news media after their release. Ding said that police hooded her and then beat her for 12 hours.