An 82-year-old Chinese writer was removed from his home early one morning in mid-September. His supporters say they have not been able to pinpoint the precise reasons for his arrest. However, they have reason to believe it was the result of an online article in which he attacked one of the Communist Party’s seven most powerful leaders.
Earlier this month in China, an intensified crackdown went into force against anyone spreading harmful information on the internet.
You might notice I've removed all names from this article. I'm elderly and I like to comment on news articles that affect us all. Perhaps I'm safe in England for the moment, but political changes make a huge impact on laws. As writers, we're aware it's best to stay clear of politics and religion as a safeguard against antagonizing other people. We don't expect to be arrested.
Earlier this month in China, an intensified crackdown went into force against anyone spreading harmful information on the internet.
You might notice I've removed all names from this article. I'm elderly and I like to comment on news articles that affect us all. Perhaps I'm safe in England for the moment, but political changes make a huge impact on laws. As writers, we're aware it's best to stay clear of politics and religion as a safeguard against antagonizing other people. We don't expect to be arrested.
en.wikipedia.org The Beijing-based writer is expected to stand trial in southwest China for running an illegal business on Wednesday afternoon. Defended by a well-known human rights lawyer, he is due to appear at the Qingyang District Court in the city of Chengdu, more than 1,100 miles from the Chinese capital. The defendant claims the authorities hope the distance from from Beijing will minimize negative media coverage.
That campaign has seen many potential voices of opposition detained or jailed including human rights lawyers, academics, artists, anti-corruption activists and religious leaders. See The Telegraph article.
Unless writers can publish their views, nobody will ever know what's going on—what's affecting people in different parts of the world. If our knowledge is limited, we'll become insular. We might not know the aging writer, or even care what happens to him, but in principle, we must stand against anyone limiting our voice.
That campaign has seen many potential voices of opposition detained or jailed including human rights lawyers, academics, artists, anti-corruption activists and religious leaders. See The Telegraph article.
Unless writers can publish their views, nobody will ever know what's going on—what's affecting people in different parts of the world. If our knowledge is limited, we'll become insular. We might not know the aging writer, or even care what happens to him, but in principle, we must stand against anyone limiting our voice.
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