Chinese who reported on COVID to be released after 3 years
Apr 30, 2023
Chinese authorities are preparing to release a man who disappeared three years ago after publicizing videos of overcrowded hospitals and bodies during the COVID-19 outbreak
HONG KONG (AP) — Chinese authorities were preparing Sunday to release a man who
disappeared three years ago
after publicizing videos of overcrowded hospitals and bodies during the COVID-19 outbreak, a relative and another person familiar with his case said.Fang Bin and other members of the public who were dubbed citizen journalists posted details of the pandemic in early 2020 on the internet and social media, embarrassing Chinese officials who faced criticism for failing to control the outbreak. The last video Fang, a seller of traditional Chinese clothing, posted on Twitter was of a piece of paper reading, “All citizens resist, hand power back to the people.”
Fang's case is part of Beijing’s crackdown on criticism of China’s early handling of the pandemic, as the ruling Communist Party seeks to control the narrative of the country.
He was scheduled to be released Sunday, according to two people who did not want to be identified for fear of government retribution. One of them said Fang was sentenced to three years in prison for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble," a vague charge traditionally used against political dissidents.
The Associated Press could not independently confirm his release and could not confirm the details with the authorities.
Two offices of Wuhan’s public security bureau did not provide a phone number of their information office or answer any questions. Phone calls to a court that reportedly sentenced Fang rang unanswered on Sunday afternoon. A woman from another court that had reportedly handled Fang’s appeal said she was not authorized to answer questions.
In early 2020, the initial COVID outbreak
devastated the city of Wuhan
, home to 11 million residents, in central China’s Hubei province. Under a 76-day lockdown, its streets were deserted for months, apart from ambulances and security personnel.At that time, a small number of citizen journalists tried to tell their stories and those of others with smart phones and social media accounts, defying the Communist Party’s tightly policed monopoly on information. Although their movement was small, the scale was unprecedented in any previous major disease outbreak or disaster in China.
But the information they posed soon got them into trouble. Fang and another citizen journalist, Chen Qiushi, disappeared in February.
Chen in September 2021 resurfaced on his friend's live video feed on YouTube, saying he had suffered from depression. But he did not provide details about his disappearance.
Another citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who also had reported on the early stage of the outbreak, was
sentenced to four years in prison
on charges of picking fights and provoking trouble in December 2020. About eight months later, her lawyer said she was in ill health after staging a long-running hunger strike._____
Wu reported from Taipei, Taiwan.
MORE NEWS
Could Taipei’s unexpectedly tight mayoral race add to cross-strait tensions?
Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang Wan-an faces an unexpectedly tough re-election fight in a race closely watched for its potential to damage the main opposition party Kuomintang and further strain the island’s relations with Beijing. Just five months ago, Chiang appeared comfortably positioned for a second term in a city where the KMT has traditionally enjoyed an advantage over the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. A poll by local cable news network TVBS in late May put him 28 percentage points ahead...
Conscient Sports, India United Football Academy Crowned Champions In Delhi Leg Of RFYS
Conscient Sports clinched titles in the U-8 and U-10 categories, while India United Football Academy emerged victorious in the U-12 section of the RFYS 2026-27 Delhi leg.
Tai Po Fire: HKSAR government responds with accountability and reform
Tai Po Fire: HKSAR government responds with accountability and reform
This ginkgo couple has been together for 500 years!
This ginkgo couple has been together for 500 years!
Swiss President arrives in Beijing as trade ties take center stage
Swiss President arrives in Beijing as trade ties take center stage
Alex de Minaur Defeats Alexander Zverev In 3-Set Thriller To Reach Vienna Open Final
Zverev had beaten De Minaur in March in the semi-final at Indian Wells, but this time the Australian won 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4).
Barcelona Thrash Alaves To Reclaim No. 1 Position In La Liga
Earlier Atletico Madrid, second, earned a solid 2-0 win at Levante, but Barca moved back two points clear of the Rojiblancos by routing the Basque visitors at Camp Nou.
US, Canada see growing interest in limited ceasefire in Black Sea
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the growing interest in a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea. He emphasized the importance of facilitating grain shipments while pressing for a broader settlement of the ongoing war. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand confronted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Russia's invasion of Ukraine during the G20 meeting.
Four hotel workers die after inhaling toxic gas in Ujjain
Four hotel employees tragically died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a food waste tank. Two individuals entered the tank to clean it, after which two more attempted a rescue. A gas leak likely made the surface slippery, leading to the collapses of the individuals. Other staff members who entered the chamber were rescued and transported to the hospital. Authorities are working to gather more details about the incident.
Four hotel workers die after inhaling toxic gas in Ujjain
Four hotel employees tragically died after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning a food waste tank. Two individuals entered the tank to clean it, after which two more attempted a rescue. A gas leak likely made the surface slippery, leading to the collapses of the individuals. Other staff members who entered the chamber were rescued and transported to the hospital. Authorities are working to gather more details about the incident.
Russia surpasses France in African youth appeal, still trails China: survey
Russia’s influence has surged among young people across Africa in recent years, leaping over former colonial power France while still trailing China, a survey of African youths has found. Many young Africans now perceive Russia to be an ally, observers said, warning its rivals to take the shift seriously as the continent becomes increasingly critical to both Moscow and Beijing. According to the African Youth Survey commissioned by the South Africa-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, 54 per cent...
Who won the Canelo vs Mbilli fight? Canelo's comeback, judges' scores and what happened in Riyadh
In a spectacular return, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez dominated the boxing ring, regaining his world title with a solid win over Christian Mbilli in Riyadh. After a year off and a tough defeat to Terence Crawford, Alvarez's comeback is nothing short of remarkable. His extraordinary technique and seasoned composure reaffirm his position among the sport's elite fighters.