Human rights activism, defence of cases involving freedom of expression, religious freedom against Chinese government persecution promotion of Charter 08
In 2011, Teng met with other lawyers on 16 February to talk about the case of Chen Guangcheng, who was placed under house arrest after his release from prison. His fellow lawyers Jiang Tianyong and Tang Jitian, who attended the meeting, were arrested soon after.[7] Teng was arrested on 20 February, the first Sunday of the 2011 Chinese pro-democracy protests that were inspired by the Arab Spring.[4] On 28 February 2011, Amnesty International launched an "urgent action" in support of the three detained lawyers.[7] Teng was released on 29 April, after more than two months of detention.[8] Human rights organisations state that "He remains under surveillance".[9]
From 2017 to 2018, Teng suffered a series of personal attacks from Chinese businessman Guo Wengui.[11] Teng wrote an article afterwards to refute the related slander and rumors, and commented on the performance and impact of the "Guo Wengui incident".[12]
In December 2020, a group of Chinese protestors picketed Teng's home in New Jersey, accusing him of conspiring with the Chinese government. Teng and other dissidents said the protests were organized by Guo Wengui, whom they have previously publicly criticized.[10]
Sexual harassment allegation
In 2023, Teng Biao posted an apology on Twitter for sexual harassment of a woman. The woman disagreed with his apology and said that it was attempted rape.[13][14]
Awards
Religious Freedom and Rule of Law Defender Award (2012)[15]
Prize for Outstanding Democracy Activist (2011)[16]
