CPJ calls for release of imprisoned Chinese writer in failing health
Dear President Hu: The Committee to Protect for Journalists (CPJ) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating health of writer Zhang Jianhong and calls for his immediate and unconditional release on humanitarian grounds. Zhang has been diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder that could lead to permanent paralysis if left untreated. His numerous appeals to judicial authorities in Zhejiang province seeking release on medical parole have been ignored, according to both his wife and lawyer.
In China, reporter jailed for allegedly fabricating news
New York, August 14, 2007 – The Committee to Protect Journalists is disappointed by the severe criminal penalties handed down by a Chinese court in the case of Zi Beijia, a Beijing TV reporter accused of fabricating a story about contaminated buns. On August 12, the Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court found Zi guilty…
In Beijing, CPJ meets with International Olympic Committee
Beijing, August 9, 2007—A representative of the International Olympic Committee told the Committee to Protect Journalists that it would continue to address CPJ’s concerns about reporters’ freedoms during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. CPJ is concerned that some eased restrictions on foreign reporters, which went into effect in January, had not been extended to Chinese…
Chinese reporter accused of fabricating story held on unclear charges
New York, July 23, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for greater transparency in the arrest of a Chinese reporter accused of fabricating news. Police arrested Beijing TV reporter Zi Beijia last week and are holding him in criminal custody following accusations that he faked a report on contaminated steamed buns, according to state news…
Economics newsletter ordered to shut down
JULY 4, 2007 Posted July 17, 2007 China Development Brief CENSORED Beijing authorities ordered publishers of the Chinese edition of China Development Brief to cease publication, and they barred employees from maintaining the newsletter’s English language Web site, according to its British founder and editor, Nick Young. China Development Brief, a monthly founded in 1996,…
Mother of jailed Chinese journalist calls for international protest
New York, June 18, 2007—The mother of imprisoned Chinese journalist Shi Tao has called on the international community to maintain pressure on Chinese authorities to release her son ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. “My son is not guilty. You should keep up pressure on the Chinese government to release him,” Gao Qinsheng…
Chinese reporter arrested following months of police harassment
New York, June 4, 2007—A Nanjing-based reporter whose online video, audio, and written news reports had angered authorities is in police custody today along with his wife, according to his employer at the U.S.-based news Web site Boxun News. Following the May 30 arrest, police accused Sun Lin (known by his pen name Jie Mu)…