In his latest interview with AP, Gao Zhisheng is revealed to be a shadow of his former, lively self.

- Zhong Weiguang: “I believe the Communist Party…is still an evil group”

- Yunnan aid relief from regular people

- Victims protest Shanghai Mayor’s Taiwan visit

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Zhong Weiguang: “I believe the CCP…is still an evil group”

Renowned Chinese human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng reappeared recently after mysteriously disappearing a year ago. He was interviewed by the Associated Press on April 6th in the wake of Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to the United States. Zhong Weiguang a Chinese scholar living in Germany, warned the Chinese Communist Party’s nature should never be underestimated. People should be wary of the temporary ease of control by the government.

Gao was interviewed on April 6th after going missing since February 2009. Before his disappearance Gao was seen as a strong, talkative, slightly plump human rights attorney. But recent photos of Gao shows a shadow of his former self. He is thin and his face seems disfigured. Upon seeing the photo, Gao Zhisheng’s wife, Geng He was in tears, and couldn’t believe he looked so old after missing for one year. Observers believe Gao may have been injected with drugs harming his nervous system.

A healthier, more robust Gao Zhisheng prior to his detention on February 2009.

Zhong Weiguang, an expert on authoritarianism and founder of the Chinese Cultural Freedom Movement, believes Gao was severely tortured. He said (recording):
“I finally saw the news and picture of Gao. The picture showed Gao’s appearance was totally different. We can see a change after severe torture, the kind bordering on life and death that would result in such a change in a person.”

Gao was targeted by the government after taking many sensitive human rights cases, especially when he wrote open letters condemning the persecution of Falun Gong. In November 2007, Gao published a letter entitled ‘Dark Night, Dark Hood, and Kidnapping by Dark Forces’, which described his abduction by police between September and November of 2007. According to the article he was subjected to electric shocks, his eyes were burned with cigarettes, and his genitals punctured with toothpicks. These accounts shocked the international community.

Zhong believes the recent interview by AP right before Hu Jintao’s visit to the USA was a political stunt by the Chinese authorities to achieve its goals. He said (recording):
“Ever since the communists took power in China, they have launched movement after movement of suppression and persecution. After each movement, they would again pretend to show goodwill to its people and to the outside world. But all of this, from what is demonstrated in Gao’s case, serves no purpose but to uphold and maintain its grip on power and to stay in power. I believe the communist party, in the era of Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, is still an evil group. The very nature of the CCP is just as it was ten years ago, nothing has changed.”

When Gao disappeared many human rights organizations and the United States and British governments repeatedly questioned the Chinese regime on his whereabouts. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Manfred Nowak also expressed concerns over the personal safety of Gao. Zhong Weiguang talked about the role the international community has on Gao’s safety (recording):
“The reason we hear about Gao on the news, is not because the CCP has repented and started respecting the rule of law, nor because it cares about human rights. It’s the concern shown by people and media all over the world. And all those good people with hearts and consciences, that make the CCP afraid. So what we learn is towards the CCP we have to keep exerting pressure.”

Tang Yin and Yu Hang of SOH Radio Network.

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Yunnan aid relief from regular people

The disastrous drought in China’s Yunnan Province still hasn’t eased. Many victims of the drought have told SOH reporters that local government efforts have been completely inadequate. Common people are now forced to provide relief. Also, a Lincang City representative publicised a plan to open a new hydroelectric dam and plant large quantities of eucalyptus plants, despite the worsening the disaster.

Li Shilong, an official representative of Aihua Town in Lincang, told reporters the local government is building a hydroelectric dam which is creating a water shortage and effecting water quality. Town folk have raised the issue with authorities many times but many were detained or sentenced to re-education through forced labour.

Li Shilong stated (recording):
“We made it known to them, but the government just ignored it. For ten years we haven’t planted rice and eucalyptus on this side. No other trees can survive where eucalyptus are planted. Some areas have perished.”

In Yunnan Province, there is a mountain village in Yulou County of Chuxiong Yi Prefecture. A reservoir which supplies water to the village sits ten kilometres away and is slated to last a further two months. Food supplies will last nine more months. The village secretary, Li Guangzhou said locals have had difficulties getting food and water; they’ve had to rely on the goodwill of people from other provinces for aid.

Li Guangzhou said (recording):
“We try getting water from anywhere; it’s very difficult to draw water. We only dare shower once a month and we use the same water to wash our legs, water vegetables and feed animals. It isn’t just water, we don’t have fodder and we need to sell it. We are 60 km from town, and too far away. We don’t have money to buy, we have difficulty getting vegetables. We people do labour and government aid is inadequate, there are people here from Jiangsu, Hubei and Hong Kong.”

In late March, students from Sapiwu Village Primary School in Nanhua County were reportedly drinking dirty water to quench their thirst. This has raised public concerns. The village committee has built two wells to ease water constraints and are still looking for other sources.

A committee member said (recording):
“We’ve built two deep wells, and now things have eased a bit. We’re still looking for water sources, if we can find a new water source, we will draw from it. The water is 65 meters groundwater, the water is fresh. There’s still no irrigation, farms must wait until the rains come. We are 40 km from the city, we still have enough vegetables to last a month.

The suddenness of the drought caught farmers by surprise and has affected crop growth and farming work. Subsequently there’s been a growth in the number of people working outside villages. In one instance, a factory village had a population of 2500. Previously, only 200 people worked outside the village. Now half the village population work elsewhere.

Lu Fang and He Wen of the SOH Radio Network.

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Shen Ting (right), Chairperson of the 'Chinese League of Victims', protesting during the Shanghai Mayor's visit.

Victims protest Shanghai Mayor’s Taiwan visit

As the Mayor of Shanghai Han Zheng, visits Taiwan to promote the World Expo. Leader of the ‘Chinese League of Victims’, Shen Ting has made a special trip from France to protest. She said behind the glory of the expo lay the tears and blood of victims whose homes were forcibly demolished.

According to Shen, about 4,000 houses were destroyed for the expo, impacting nearly 18,000 families. Some were even beaten to death on trains while they travelled to make appeals. Some were taken to labour camps or died of injections from unknown drugs. So far three deaths are accounted for. From May 2009 to March, several people have been sentenced to terms of forced labour in prison.

Shen said the league had compiled a book titled the ‘Shanghai Expo – Shame to the World’, which was delivered to the headquarters of the World Expo in France and to the Polish Government. While in Taiwan, Shen called upon the Mayor of Taipei, Hao Longbin, to pay attention to the suffering by Shanghai residents whose homes were wrecked.

She said (recording):
“Taiwanese people live in democracy and freedom. They can voice the injustices they suffer any time. If these Shanghai residents were to apply for a protest, they would be arrested immediately. Under the totalitarian rule of the communist party, there is no freedom of speech.”

She further told reporters (recording):
“Forced demolition and construction in Shanghai began in the 90s. Initially, citizens sold their homes at cheap prices for fear of government coercion. They gradually started to defend their rights. But going to Beijing to petition is tough. On paper we aren’t allowed to appeal, but in reality appellants are persecuted severely. In 2002, Shanghai won the bid to host the World Expo with the slogan, ‘Better City, Better Life’. What we see now is it has already broken its promise, going against its slogan.”

The World Expo is scheduled to run from May 1st until October 31st in Shanghai. Shen Ting is chairperson of the ‘Chinese League of Victims’. In 2003 Shen had her Chinese travelling documents annulled for suing Shanghai millionaire Zhou Zhengyi and organising the league.

Li Jingyu and Yu Han of the SOH Radio Network.

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The Global Internet Freedom Consortium's five leading anti-censorship programs puncture the 'internet blockade' (centre). The five characters (top-left) read: 'Five swords bring righteousness to the world'.

- Falun Gong anti-censorship software opens door to freedom

- ‘Tiananmen Mothers’ under watch while paying respects

- 115 survivors rescued from Wangjialing mine collapse

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Falun Gong anti-censorship software opens door to freedom

The Chinese communist regime has blocked information from China to the rest of the world since 1999. The year the suppression on the Falun Gong meditative practice began. Enormous materials and manpower have been expended on the blockade. To give Chinese people access to information, computer experts amongst overseas Falun Gong practitioners have developed various tools to penetrate the block. As of today, the ‘five musketeers’ of anti-censorship software have become indispensable tools for Chinese people longing for true freedom.

Jiao Guobiao, Associate Professor of Communications at Peking University and human rights advocate, uses the software. He spoke to reporters about its benefits saying (recording):
“I use this technology to get on the Internet; I do not browse Chinese websites. As a habit, when I go online, I cross the firewall and visit overseas websites. This is because those sites have information that we can’t see from inside China, either through television or newspapers.”

Jiao obtained the software in 2004 from his friend. He most often uses Freedom Gate, Ultrasurf, and FirePhoenix. He stated (recording), “I have nothing else to use, just these. I have all three of them on my desktop and I use them all.”

Liu Shihui, an attorney in Guangzhou of Guangdong Province, became a loyal user of the software two years ago. He found Freedom Gate by accident when browsing online. Since then, Liu has made frequent use of Freedom Gate and Ultrasurf. He told reporters (recording):
“The one I use most is Freedom Gate and occasionally I use Ultrasurf. I usually switch between the two. Recently, Freedom Gate has become more useful – very useful. Because it uses many proxy servers, as long as you get on it, websites promoting universal values and ideals all become within your reach.

“Last year when it was the Communist Party’s 60th anniversary, the blockade was very strict. This could be due to the major meetings occurring in spring. The software updates itself very fast, so we feel it is quite useful.”

Liu further told reporters (recording):
“Without any anti-censorship software, there wouldn’t be a way to visit websites such as the BBC, VOA, RFA, and Reuters. Also, when one has a problem getting through the firewall or if you need software, just say it loud in the chat room and someone will provide it.”

Anti-censorship software has been very welcome in China. Freedom Gate, Ultrasurf, GTunnel, GPass, and FirePhoenix have been called the ‘five musketeers’ of anti-censorship. At present, this type of software has become very popular in China. Many users have thanked Falun Gong practitioners for devoting their time, money, and efforts into developing the software and providing it free of charge all over the world.

Fu Ming and Kai Di of the SOH Radio Network.

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‘Tiananmen Mothers’ under watch while paying respects

A mainland Chinese reporter has revealed that Communist authorities have sent police to monitor the tombs of the victims of the June 4th, 1989, Tiananmen Square massacre. Every year on the 104th day after the winter solstice, or April 5th on the Gregorian calendar, falls on the Qingming Festival.

The festival is to honour ancestors by tending to the graves of the departed and by going outside to enjoy the greenery of spring time. For Chinese mothers it is a day to remember their children whose lives were ended by order of Communist officials 21 years ago.

The ‘Tiananmen Mothers’ say they are not afraid of this kind of unreasonable and illegal tracking and monitoring. They also say they firmly believe that justice will return to China one day.

Zhang Xianling sweeps the tomb of her son every year on his birthday; April 3rd. She said that her annual tribute is monitored by local authorities despite never making arranging a formal gathering.

Zhang Xianling said: (recording):
“When we went to sweep the tomb yesterday, the police came with us. It is also a form of monitoring. It was us that went and they followed behind us. After getting there and when we were in the memorial service, a plain clothed [policeman] watched us.”

Another Tiananmen mother, Xu Jue, told a reporter that on June 4th in 2009, she was obstructed for sweeping the tomb for her son. This year she planned to sweep the tombs of her husband and son in Beijing, at Mt Babao on the Qingming. One day before she left, the police called her and told her that they would be going with her while she swept the tombs.

Xu Jue said (recording):
“I will go to sweep the tombs this year regardless. They said they will come with me. If they want to come; they come, I will sweep my tombs. If they do not followed me they will not be at ease. Since the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress up until now, their people watch me attentively from downstairs. Really, as an old lady like me, to sweep the tombs of my son and husband, what crime did I commit? Why do they watch me so attentively? It is already 20 years later and they are still like this.”

Two Tiananmen mothers indicated that this kind of unreasonable behaviour is proof of a guilty conscience, and [the Communist Party’s] fear. The women say they are not afraid at all.

Zhang Xianling said (recording):
“It is just like with no fears of the unknown, they always monitor like this. Because we are not afraid of them, so they have become afraid of us; I think they are afraid of me. If they are not afraid of me, what do they monitor me for?”

The ‘Tiananmen Mothers’ believe their persistence will gain the support of the world’s people and they will one day receive justice.

Zhang Xianling said (recording):
“We will disregard whether they change or not, we will be persistent. Moreover we are convinced that our persistence, and with the support of people from the world, and each aspect of the forward force of democracy, the change will come sooner or later.”

Fu Ming and He Wencai of the SOH Radio Network.

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115 survivors rescued from Wangjialing mine collapse

115 survivors have been found at the flooded coal mine of Wangjialing, according to Chinese state media. At present the miners have been taken to hospitals for treatment with the help of rescue workers. Thirty-nine miners remain unaccounted for.

At 12:30am the first batch of nine were rescued. They were conscious and still clear headed. The conditions of those later rescued remains unclear.

When interviewed, Gao, the director of Hejin Aluminium Factory’s employee healing ward, said his hospital accepted thirty-six survivors from the mining accident. He told reporters that most are stable with a few in serious conditions with possible heart issues. Forty-seven others were sent to different hospitals.

Local residents were not happy about the delayed rescue efforts. Local media, however, praised the Chinese authorities. Since the accident, police have sealed off the mining area, and villagers aren’t allowed near (recording):
“They declared martial law due to presence of national leaders. Nobody was allowed in. There were five or six cars full of police.”

According to villagers, the developers of the mine purchased much of the surrounding farmland. The majority of the proceeds from these purchases ended up in the pockets of corrupt officials. The villagers in turn were left with next to nothing (recording):
“My employers left after they made their money. The mine is the largest in the country and nationalized. The land cannot be farmed. How do they expect the villagers make a living? They don’t want to become thieves or robbers. So they risk their lives as miners.”

Drinking water has also been polluted (recording):
“We used to drink water from the mountain creeks. While the mountain was being mined, the water flowed deeper underground. Then the creeks dried up. The water flowing from the mine is our main source of drinking water.”

On March 28th, the Wangjialing coal mine became flooded trapping 153 miners. Five days later, rescue workers detected survivors 251 meters underground. They were found due to the knocking sounds of drills. The whereabouts of 39 miners still remains unclear.

Tian Xi and Xin Yi of SOH Radio Network.

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Gao Zhisheng now resides on Wutai Mountain and says he wants to live in 'peace and quiet for a while...' This has raised suspicions from fellow human rights lawyers that Gao is still under pressure from the regime.

- Gao Zhisheng alive on Wutai Mountain
- ‘Water Splashing Festival’ causes hot debate
- Mainland activists applaud Google’s example

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Gao Zhisheng alive on Wutai Mountain

Gao Zhisheng is in Wutai Mountain according to Reuters. Reports state Gao was set free half a year ago, and now wishes to live quietly. He only resumed contact with the outside world two to three days ago. Later the same day, two human rights lawyers, Teng Biao and Li Heping, were also able to get in contact with Gao.

Teng Biao, when interviewed by reporters, said he felt Gao wasn’t completely free (recording):
“A friend got his number through media, and I called him. Yes, it seems he talks normally, but based on my analysis of his answers, we feel that he isn’t completely free.”

Jiang Tianyong, a human rights attorney, claimed he had spoken with Gao, and was quite sure it was indeed Gao speaking with him. The identity of the person was one major concern, other concerns include whether Gao was actually free (recording):
“When will we be able to see him? Gao said not any time soon. He said he needed to go to his mother’s grave to commemorate her. I asked him what he’d do next; he said he would go somewhere and maybe elsewhere. I asked if he was free. He said he is free. Then I asked him, suddenly, how long would he be like this. He said it would last for some time. I think, when I asked him how long he would be like this, he should have known what I really meant.”

According to Mr Jiang, Gao Zhisheng’s conversation with Li Heping revealed similar things (recording):
“When Li asked him sensitive and critical questions, Gao said he would only talk about it when he returned. He seemed to want to hang up, and said he had a few friends with him. What kind of friends would there be that are more important than talking to us at that moment? I believe the so-called friends are police officers following him, these would be the people we all refer to as friends in such a situation.”

Jiang Tianyong and the other attorneys suspect another reason why Gao Zhisheng has been missing for so long (recording):
“The reason it took them so long, was ever since last June and July, before he was allowed to contact the outside world. Based on my experience in other cases, including cases involving Falun Gong practitioners there were instances where defendants were beaten. With injuries and bone fractures, they would take them somewhere to wait and until they recovered from their injuries they wouldn’t be seen. Later they would be brought back to court. Hearings are often suspended beyond statutory limitations. Because of this, the authorities didn’t want him seen under such huge international pressure; it could be they were waiting for him to recover from his wounds.”

Before this latest report, the authorities had made various claims on Gao’s whereabouts. In January this year, Mao Chaoxu, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters in a press conference that Gao was ‘where he should be’. A week later, Ma stated he didn’t know where Gao was. On March 16th, Foreign Minister Yang Jieci said, when being asked of the whereabouts of Gao, that Gao had been sentenced for ‘subversion of state power’. Later on during a press conference on Tuesday, Qin Gang, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Gao has been sentenced to three years in prison and five years on probation for ‘inciting and subverting state power’. Another account saw the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC tell Kang Yuan, the Chairman of Dialogue Foundation, an America based human rights organization that, attorney Gao was in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

Now on March 28th Gao is reported to be in Wutai Mountain, the interesting thing is, Gao first made contact with Western media and not with his wife or daughter who both live in the United States.

Li Yifei and Xi Wen of Sound of Hope Radio Network

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‘Water Splashing Festival’ causes hot debate

The Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan is usually a time for fun, renewal, and saturation. (三色人/Wikimedia Commons)

The severe drought in southwest China continues to devastate the region. So far, water levels have dropped substantially in major waterfalls and rivers at famous tourist attractions in Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou. Despite the dry conditions, Chinese authorities have announced that the annual ‘Water Splashing Festival’ in Xishuangbanna, a tradition of the ethnic Dai people, will continue on April 15th.

Mr Zheng from the Kanghui Travel Agency in Kunming City said that because of the drought, Yunnan’s famous lakes and rivers are suffering. The scenic ‘Stone Forest’ of the Shilin Yi Autonomous County has almost dried out. The drought is affecting tourism, as peak seasons usually run from April 10th to the 20th in Xishuangbanna. From April 8th air ticket prices for flights to Yunnan continue to rise.

He told reporters (recording):
“The scenic areas inside the ‘Stone Forest’, including ponds, still haven’t dried out. There is still a bit to be seen. The prices will increase for those going to Xishuangbanna between April 8th and 20th. It can increase by 20% to 30%, after including meals and accommodation. This is because of the ‘Water Splashing Festival’. It’s one of the most important festivals for the Dai ethnic group and is the equivalent of Chinese New Year.”

On April 15th there were suggestions the Water Splashing Festival be cancelled. However Yunnan provincial authorities responded saying the festival wouldn’t be cancelled, instead water conservation will be promoted. The Xishuangbanna Culture and Sports Bureau have decided to cut down the amount of time allowed for participants to splash water. In previous years, participants spent an entire day spraying water at each other. This year however there will be a time limit of two hours, and only small buckets and pots can be used.

Ms Li, a tour guide from the region said that because Xishuangbanna’s situation wasn’t severe, the festival wouldn’t need to be cancelled. She said (recording):
“The Water Splashing Festival is the Dai’s Chinese New Year and Xishuangbanna is not in a drought. Currently there isn’t a lack of water. The festival covers three days. Water splashing occurs on April 15th. The festival starts on the 13th. On the 13th there will be dragon boat racing, and on the 14th Dai families will prepare stalls and visit the markets, and on 15th there will be a big gathering for splashing water.”

A staff member from the Kunming Tourism Bureau spoke to reporters (recording):
“The drought is affecting the surrounding regions of Yunnan, the drought is affecting Yunnan’s crops, and it’s too absolute to say it’s not affecting tourism.”

Tourism around Yangshuo’s famous landscapes in Guangxi Province, is suffering due to a drop in river water levels. Staff from Yangshuo Guangxi’s Tourism Bureau said because of the drought, tours down the famous Li River have been shortened. She said (recording):
“The water level is very low, and we’re changing routes. Before we could tour from Guilin downstream for about 90 kilometres, now we can only tour a 10 to 20 kilometre section.”

Another famous natural wonder suffering from the drought is the once mighty Huang Guoshu waterfall. The waterfall, in Guizhou Province, has been gradually shrinking and now is only a quarter of its size from previous years. Upstream, authorities have been forced to open the reservoirs to ensure there is enough running water.

Liu Fang and Kai Di of the SOH Radio Network.

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Mainland activists applaud Google’s example

Google’s decision to withdraw from China in response to the Chinese government’s internet censorship policy has been widely praised by mainland activists. They hope other overseas enterprises will be brave enough to resist tyranny. Mr Pu from Sichuan believes free information is the basis for freedom and democracy. Censorship is a despicable crime of the totalitarian regime.

He told reporters (recording):
“Google set an example and sounded a warning to businesses in China. ‘I refrain from doing evil.’ Others can follow and can achieve well. Everyone knows Google’s withdrawal is not about business, but rather about a company upholding its own business ethics. However, the Communist regime launched a campaign on TV to criticise Google.”

Ms Wei from Kunming said China is now full of corrupt officials. She hoped other American internet companies, such as Yahoo and Microsoft, would learn from Google and stand together to fight against repression. She told reporters (recording):
“Google went to Hong Kong. In recent days the Communist regime launched an all-out campaign to attack Google via the internet and other media. Isn’t this a confession? It used to deny there was internet censorship or firewalls, etc. Now it jumps out like a mad dog to defend itself like crazy.”

Others praised Google’s withdrawal as inspiring and hoped other companies would follow suit. Mr Zhao from Yunnan said (recording):
“I feel the withdrawal inspires us commoners and also sets an example for other western companies, such as Yahoo. The American government should make relevant laws to prevent companies from colluding with totalitarian regimes. Do not lose your dignity or value for temporary economic gain.”

Mr. Liu from Hunan also believes Google wouldn’t be the only case. It could set off a chain reaction. He said (recording):
“Google has its own value system. Its courageous withdrawal will set off a chain reaction. Other foreign investors might also withdraw. I think most Chinese internet users are waking up to this fact.”

Google made an announcement in January that its client mailboxes had been attacked by hackers from China. As a result, it would no longer censor its internet search results according to the requirements of the Communist regime. On March 23rd, Google formally decided to shut down its mainland operations.

Lin Li and Yu Hang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Tropical Hainan has become a popular tourist destination, but at the cost of skyrocketing property prices and a dangerously inflated housing bubble (flickr/Jakob Montrasio).

- China’s property market stagnates
- Huge loans for swine flu treatment
- Shanghai petitioners spend unhappy New Year in Beijing

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China’s property market stagnates

Housing prices in China skyrocketed last year. The five cities with the most risky real estate bubbles were Sanya of Hainan Province, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. Trade experts say around the Chinese New Year period sales plateaued, and the future direction of housing prices is uncertain.

In the past five years, property prices in Haikou of Hainan rose by 20 times. Prices increased in Sanya by 50 times. According to Chinese official statistics, over the same period last year, the price of apartments in 70 major cities nationwide saw an increase of 11%. In addition, Sanya’s increase is at a staggering 31%, which topped the list.

Mr. Jiang is from Zhongtang Real Estate of Sanya. He spoke of the situation on the tropical island province of Hainan (recording):
“Last month the city was declared an international tourist hotspot, which caused a stir in real estate prices. But now that image has faded, housing prices have stabilized and the sales volume is declining. In Sanya, which is dozens of kilometres away, houses in mountainous areas were selling for 7000-8000 Yuan per square metre and new houses were starting at 20,000. This is because of the hype surrounding the ‘International Tourist Island’ designation.”

According to Mr. Jiang, only high end luxury homes or cheap subsidised homes could be built on the island. He said (recording)”
“Those who bought houses in Sanya are all rich people, with extra money they can buy for their retirements. This is not an entrepreneurial city like Shenzhen or Canton, where people start their own businesses or can seek opportunities. In future we will build hotels, high end resorts, commercial properties, golf courses and let the wealthy people come to enjoy in Sanya. High end properties cost over 10 million Yuan and villas costing 20-30 million Yuan will be built here. This is what the government of Sanya hopes people will purchase.”

Mr. Jiang told reporters that, after Sanya’s government adjusted its land policy, the era of high priced housing arrived. For regular people, their only option is to live in subsidised housing.

He said (recording):
The locals can’t afford high end housing. The government has to build welfare housing, but they aren’t of good quality or in good locations. You’re lucky if you can get one. The government will spend some money and build a road for you, put in a supermarket, a hospital, and a school and that’s it.”

In Shanghai and Beijing during New Year, the housing market had stagnated to an even greater extent. Chen Wangsheng from Shanghai’s Tianxin Real Estate Agency told reporters (recording):
“Housing prices in January were worth 12,000 Yuan a square meter. It’s still at that price at present, not much has changed. The volume is also low. Now that it’s Chinese New Year, movement in the housing market won’t be seen again until April. Of course there’s also the issue of location. When there are more buyers out there, the price will increase.”

Mr. Tian of Beijing’s Zhongtian Real Estate agreed saying (recording):
“There is no decline in price, nor is there any increase in price. The sales volume is low as well.”

Experts in the field say the central government’s policy towards the property market may cause major upheavals in the market at an earlier than expected date.

Craig Richter, Xi Wen and Lu Fang of SOH Radio Network.

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Huge loans for swine flu treatment

Swine flu victims in Jilin Province are struggling to cope with the costs of treatment. Some victims have been forced to take out high interest loans to pay expenses. Some have missed out on treatment altogether and have died in their homes. Authorities have blocked all information.

Ms. Lin is a farmer in Jilin Province. Her son is three years old. During the swine flu outbreak in November last year, her son was hospitalized for one month. She can’t afford the medical expenses and has been seeking support from government and media.

Ms. Lin told SOH (recording):
“For regular farmers, including those who grow crops or work as contractors, where can we earn so much money? (It costs me) over 100,000 Yuan. The medicine is very expensive. I tried to get help by talking to radio, to media. When I called a newspaper, they said they weren’t allowed to report such things. It’s restricted. As for government officials, each one I came across told me to speak to someone else. What can I do if they refuse to help? There’s a type of loan where if you borrow ten thousand, you must repay three thousand in interest each year. I have to take out this type of loan.”

Ms Lin’s son had respiratory failure after catching the fever for two days. He was sent to hospital. He’s currently recuperating at home.

Ms Lin said (recording):
“My child developed swine flu symptoms very quickly, in just two days. Even before a definite diagnosis was made, his illness developed to such an extent where he had to use a ventilator. When he was released from hospital, he had use in only a quarter of his lungs; the other three quarters weren’t functional. Later, when he went back for a re-examination, half his lungs had regained function.”

Many patients’ lungs were shown completely white in x-rays. Many suffered respiratory failure in the end. The more serious patients usually passed away. Some people contracted swine flu when they visited hospitals for other reasons.

Ms. Lin told us (recording):
“When a child’s lungs turn all white, it’s called white lungs. He was really scared. That child had leukaemia, and he stayed in hospital for chemo therapy, which killed both his cancer cells and immune cells. His immunity became very weak, and he contracted swine flu in that environment. It’s really difficult for his parents, indeed.”

Chris Thomas, Wang Qian and Xi Wen of SOH Radio Network

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Shanghai petitioners spend unhappy New Year in Beijing

February 14th was for some, Valentine’s Day, for others, the Chinese New Year. But for a dozen appellants from Shanghai, it was a day of bereavement. These dozen appellants braved chilly weather and went to Tiananmen Square. Using homemade videos the appellants shared their messages. They demanded democracy, freedom, and condemned persecution and torture.

When interviewed on February 18th, Ms. Mao Hengfeng said on behalf of the appellants (recording):
“On New Year’s Day we went to Tiananmen Square. There were about twenty of us. By the grace of God, I realized one of my dreams. We petitioned there for democracy, freedom, and human rights. Some of us are homeless, and others cannot go back home. With tears in our eyes, we condemned torture, which we suffered plenty of in prison. And we demanded justice.”

Mao recounted her bitter experience (recording):
“My mother was poisoned by the [Chinese Communist] regime in 2000. I sought justice to no avail. To this day, [her body] is still kept at a funeral parlour in Shanghai. It has been ten years. My heart is broken, especially during the Chinese New Year. So I did not return. I didn’t want to bring my three children down. The government expelled them from school in 2000. A thirteen-year-old young girl has grown into a 23-year-old. They are sad enough. I brought them such harm because of my fights. I feel too ashamed to face my family.”

“I’m scared of being taken to illegal jails if I return, because of the upcoming International Expo. What would happen to us? I know the torture in jail. All those imprisoned may face ill treatment or drug injections at mental hospitals. The totalitarian tyranny brought a lot of trauma to ordinary people. We long for freedom, democracy and human rights.”

Another petitioner, Shen Peilan, also dared not return for fear of imprisonment (recording):
“All petitioners in Shanghai have been locked up, or put under watch at home. During sensitive periods, they would arrest people like us. I came here last month. If I go home I would be locked up, so I dare not return.”

On February 17th, those Shanghai appellants who were forced to spend the New Year in Beijing held a party. The scene was terribly sad. Thinking about their families thousands of miles away and talking about the plight of appellants in Beijing. They condemned local corrupt officials and recounted their personal experiences of persecution. The party ended in tears.

Perry Luo, Fu Ming and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Liaoning authorities search for organizers of ‘Petitioners New Year’

Over 60 homeless petitioners held the Inaugural Petitioners’ Chinese New Year Gala on February 5th. The gala was held at a simple location in Beijing and was broadcast over the internet. During the 90 minute performance, petitioners from different provinces poured their grievances and heart-felt feelings through singing. The gala was uploaded online soon after. Chinese Communist authorities have begun a massive search for the organizers and participants.

Liu Chunbao was an organiser of the Chinese New Year Gala. On February 14th, Liaoning police came to arrest him at his Shoubao Village home in Beijing at around 11am. Fortunately, Liu was not home.

Petitioner Jiang Jiawen was kidnapped by the police. Another organiser named Luan Qinyang, a 22-year-old petitioner from Liaoning province, continues to elude police.
Reporters from Sound of Hope were able to phone Luan Qinyang on February 14th. He confirmed Jiang Jiawen was kidnapped by Liaoning police.

He said (recording):
“I do not dare go home. They’re trying to arrest me. I’ve done nothing wrong. People from our Municipal government and from the provincial levels have come looking for me, on New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Day. They monitored the place we used to live for a whole night yesterday. They started searching our apartment at around 11am in the morning today. I wasn’t home. So they arrested Jiang Jiawen instead.”
Song Yujie, a petitioner from Liaoning, had earlier been searching for Luan Qinyang since he went into hiding on New Years Eve. He later found Mr. Luan under a bridge. He was very ill when he found him.

Mr. Song told reporters (recording):
“They sent out police to search for him and planned to charge him with ‘threatening the government.’ They’ve been looking for him everywhere since Chinese New Year’s Eve. I have been looking for him. Through someone’s help, I finally found him. When I met him, he had a high fever and was very ill. He doesn’t dare to go to a public hospital; instead, he goes to a private clinic for injections. Tell me, what is this? This lad can’t even celebrate the New Year. That is the situation we petitioners face. We planned to hold an informal concert (to celebrate the New Year). We simply wanted to get together and alleviate the pain we petitioners suffer. What is wrong with us getting together and singing a few songs?”

He went on to state the Chinese authorities weren’t trying to resolve social issues. On the contrary, the authorities make the problems worse.

He said (recording):
“I simply don’t understand it. (They claim and advocate) harmony. Can this be called harmony? Petitioners don’t carry weapons. Do we pose any threat to the government? Why do you send out the police to deal with us? Why do you fear petitioners to such an extent? If you haven’t done anything that makes you feel guilty, what is it you’re afraid of, to the extent where you would send out police to arrest unarmed petitioners?”

Liu Qingzhen, a petitioner from Zhengzhou, Henan Province, said Liaoning authorities dispatched several police cars and over ten policemen to the concert.

Huang Guangyu, a petitioner from Hunan province who hid under a bridge with Mr. Luan said (recording):
“Where are the human rights in our country? There isn’t even a mention of basic humanity. They won’t even let him go and keep searching for him! We aren’t just disappointed at the state government, we’re in total despair.”

Fu Ming and Mi Lan of the SOH Radio Network.

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Regime blocking the rights of lawyers

In 2009 the Chinese Communist Regime began targeting human rights lawyers in China in an effort to silence their efforts. A range of tactics are used including threats, kidnappings and the denial of licenses to practice law. Lawyer Tong Chaoping from the Anhui Law Firm in Beijing claims his firm has also faced persecution from authorities, especially for taking up politically sensitive cases involving human rights or religious freedom.

Tong Chaoping spoke to SOH (recording):
“The government usually interferes when we fight for the rights of farmers. Do you have the courage to uphold China’s laws and human rights? Our difficulty isn’t related to our work but is because we can’t get a license to practice. Our lawyers are met with various restrictions. At the end of last year, we submitted an application to renew our license with judicial departments. For no reason, they withheld the license. If you accuse them of violating the law, they will turn a deaf ear. This is a major issue for us.”

He continued (recording):
“Disadvantaged people desperately need legal representation. Take farmers as an example. After a farmer is deprived of his land illegally and ruthlessly, it is very difficult for him to maintain his livelihood. For example, ten thousand farmers from Yanjia Street in Taoshou District, Chongqing, need to fight for their rights. When you take care of them, one farmer pays you 100 Yuan and ten thousand can pay you a million.”

And finally he said (recording):
“All we ask for is they follow the law and give us the license. If they allowed us to follow China’s laws, we wouldn’t face any financial difficulties when representing the under-privileged. We have more cases than we can handle – countless victims need to see us about forced relocations and land rights.”

The targeting of human rights lawyers by the regime has been widespread. Renowned lawyer Gao Zhisheng was taken by police on February 4th 2009, his whereabouts has largely been unknown. Recent reports suggest he may now be residing in Urumqi of Xinjiang Province. Wang Yonghang from Dalian, Liaoning was taken by Public Security officers on July 4th 2009; he was interrogated secretly and sentenced to seven years prison. Many lawyers face kidnappings, beatings, and even torture by officials, when they take on human rights cases. Experts believe these lawyers should be praised for upholding the rights of citizens under Chinese law. Ironically, the rights of these lawyers are often compromised.

Li Yifei and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Chinese Communist Party sues victims of toxic milk

Authorities are charging a man for allegedly ‘interfering with social order’ in China for his continued investigation into 2008’s melamine toxic milk powder scandal. Zhao Lianhai is the founder of the Chinese non-profit group, “Home for Kidney Stone Babies.” Parents of babies who suffered as a result of the toxic milk powder say it is part of a suppression and persecution of the victims parents, whom Zhao represents.

Zhao met with his attorney, Peng Jian, on February 10. According to Jian, Zhao maintains his innocence. Peng said,
“Zhao believes he is innocent, and he wants to be defended as such, and that is exactly what I intend to do.”

Zhao was arrested for allegedly organising parents of the baby milk powder victims to go to Shijiazhuang and Beijing to protest in front of the court house. He was also alleged to have told media outlets about Li Ruirui, a young woman from Anhui province allegedly raped by police while in prison. Also for subsequently organising a protest outside of Beijing’s Public Security Bureau in an effort to rescue Li Ruirui.

Liu Dejun was present with Zhao outside the Public Security Bureau. Liu says everything he did was within the law and his arrest was groundless.

Liu said, “It’s very normal to protest for the parents of the baby [milk] powder victims in front of the court house for their babies were the ones being hurt. Zhao was not even present. Li Ruirui’s rape case is also very well known; the whole world knows. Li was raped while in prison and many [people] reported the case to the police. Appellants then thought they might not be able to do it, because if they went to the police station to report the rape, they could be arrested and sent back home. Therefore they asked reporters to alert the public. They did so out of fear of the justice system. There was nothing like “interference with social order”. Back then [during the protest], we were on the sidewalk, to the east of the Public Security building. Not in front of the entrance, so there was no “interference with social order”.

Liu believes the suit against Zhao is a suppression of civil rights, for the parents of babies poisoned by the toxic milk powder in 2008.

Liu said,
“I think he is being charged because of his investigation into the poisonous baby milk powder. There are rumours of strong backing behind the milk powder manufacturer, Sanlu. I think it is because he kept going on with his investigation and never stopped, and this was against the interests of the supporters.”

Zhou Jin, whose baby was poisoned by the Sanlu milk powder shares Liu’s opinion. Zhou said, “They tried everything, used all means to stop us from seeking justice for the children.” Zhou Jin emphasized that the charges against Zhao Lianhai were also like charges against all the victimised children and their parents. Zhou Jin said if Zhao Lianhai is found guilty many parents will go to Beijing to turn themselves in with their children.

Zhou said,
“Everything he did was rational, and he never went beyond the boundary of the law. I can’t imagine this *** government would treat him like this. Bringing charges against him, bringing charges against the parents of the baby milk powder victims. Whatever Zhao did is something those parents are doing as well. If he is guilty, then we are all guilty, even the children are guilty.”

Zhao’s case will be heard in the second half of February. The Ministry of Public Health has recently published a notice that three kinds of poisonous baby powder are now on sale in Canton. Senior analyst of the dairy industry, Wang Dingmian, estimated that there is about 100,000 tonnes of poisonous baby milk powder that has not been destroyed. The Ministry of Public Health of Liaoning province also revealed that poisonous ice cream bars with excessive amounts of melamine has been found in Liaoyang, a city in the province.

Caden Pearson, Fu Ming and Yu Xin of SOH Radio Network.

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Google's withdrawal from China has drawn a vast response worldwide. Sun Weiguang praises their decision.

- Chinese dissidents condemn cyber attacks on Google
- Sun Weiguang praises Google’s decision

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Chinese dissidents condemn cyber attacks on Google

Chinese dissidents have come out to condemn the recent cyber attacks on Google, calling it a block on human rights. Since Google’s revelations, many dissidents have stepped forward admitting to similar attacks on their email accounts.

Guizhou-based democratic activist Mo Jiangang said his email accounts had been tapped. Here’s what he had to say to reporters (recording):
“Around June 4th each year, and also when we organised a human rights forum on December 10th, our emails, including G-mail, would either be inaccessible, or read by unknown parties.”

Associate Professor Jiao Guobiao from Beijing University also runs into frequent problems with his email. He said (recording):
“Sometimes the emails I send are returned. After a while, maybe a few hours to a few days, it would return to my mailbox. Sometimes the message would fail to send straight away. Especially when Xiaobo was being sentenced, the emails I sent returned, tagged as undeliverable, after one or two days.”

Liu Xiaobo is a human rights advocate who was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment last December.

Cyber surveillance on dissidents is widespread. Many human rights or democracy advocates have experienced similar styles of attacks. Including former Shanxi Television editor Ma Xiaoming; human rights lawyer Zhang Jiankang; and the wife of well-known human rights advocate Hu Jia.

Mo Jiangang condemned the attacks as a violation of human rights. He said (recording):
“We praise Google for taking action, because it refuses to comply with some of the regime’s policies. I think Google has done very well, because it has struck back against the CCP’s wicked policies. And it’s working to ensure freedom of speech and privacy is not compromised. I think they’ve done this out of their conscience. Of course we lament their withdrawal from China, but we firmly support Google’s choice of action. If every website can do this, then the Chinese Communist regime has no way to violate every person’s freedom of speech.”

The announcement made by Google has nevertheless raised concerns among the 384 million netizens in mainland China. Using Chinese-based search engines entails more restrictions. Jiao Guobiao said (recording):
“Actually, they’re two sides to this. After it leaves, there may not be another company that can do as much as they’ve done. If every one of them, such as Google and Sohu, all leave, search engines based outside of China would no longer settle here, and China would be abandoned. It would put the Communists in isolation, but the information available to Chinese people [would be further reduced]. The scope of information and the search engines provided by Xinhua News can’t compare to what Google can provide.”

The current dispute between Google and the Chinese Communists has entered its second week. The US government has evidence related to the cyber attacks on Google, and plans to enter discussions with the regime over the matter.

Daniel Teng; Tian Xi of the SOH Radio Network.

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Zhong Weiguang foresees good business for Google

On the 16th of January, a prominent overseas scholar, Mr. Zhong
Weiguang, gave SOH an interview about Google’s potential withdrawal from the Chinese market to protect the interests of its customers. Mr Zhong said Google’s decision not only won hearts of the Chinese public but also secured long-term business gain.

According to Mr Zhong, Google’s honest actions went a long way to enhance its reputation and brand, which will create greater business value in the future.

He said, “Google has now won trust from the Chinese people. It actions have established a very good reputation. In the long run, a totalitarian system will not last. It is obvious that in the course of change, Google stood by the people. Even though Google may lose some market share allowed by the authorities in the short term, it has won hearts, reputation and branding in the future. Google has set a very good example for other companies.”

The Google incident has been a shock to the entire system.
As a result, many political and business leaders in the west are starting to re-evaluate their cooperation with China’s Communist regime. According to Mr Zhong, the international community must uphold its principles.

Mr Zhong said, “The law in every Western country regards human rights as the most important tenet. Does this principle need to be observed when doing business in other countries? Apparently yes, because the principle is universal. Google has upheld this principle.”

Mr Zhong was very much encouraged by Google’s decision.
He states, “Everyone is very heartened by Google’s announcements, which showed that Google respects the bottom line commonly recognized in the Western society. People from China along with everyone in the world with a sense of justice are behind Google. In my opinion, Google has set a good example for other companies.”

Finally Mr Zhong called upon all foreign businesses in China to think about their long-term reputation and to make the right choice. Only in this way can they truly advance in the future.

Tang Yin, Wang Zhen and Perry Luo of the SOH Radio Network.

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Students in quarantine at Heilongjiang University.

- Cyber attacks on Google rouse response from Chinese people
- Revelations of emergency meeting on H1N1
- Dodgy new homes force Sichuan survivors into tents

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Cyber attacks on Google rouse response from Chinese people

The world’s largest online search engine Google recently revealed severe cyber attacks on the company and its G-mail users, many of whom are human rights advocates. On January 12th, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer David Drummond published an official blog, which stated: “We have decided we are no longer willing to continue censoring our results on Google.cn…”, and considered the possibilities of pulling out of China altogether.

David Drummond revealed, “accounts of dozens of U.S.-, China- and Europe-based G-mail users who are advocates of human rights in China appear to have been routinely accessed by third parties.”
He said these attacks have been highly sophisticated and targeted, and that Google is now reviewing the feasibility of its operations in
China.

Hubei resident, Mr Wang said in an interview with SOH (recording):
“This is something worth celebrating. If all websites and organizations dare do stand up as Google has done, it would be a great shock to the Chinese Communists. If every website would be bold enough to speak the truth and refuse to compromise, it would be a heavy blow to them. The Chinese Communist Party was built on a foundation of violence and lies. If the lies no longer have effect, and our people learn the evil nature of the regime, we can cut our ties with the CCP.”

Hebei resident, Ms Wang said the CCP was afraid the people of
China would learn the truth and facts. Their cyber attacks have however offended the Google company. She said (recording):
“As Chinese people, we live in an environment filled with spies, because the CCP is very strict on censoring information, and they have tight control over news in China. Chinese people cannot see the truth of the situation. A media company like Google which dares to speak out, is something the CCP is scared of. They fear the awakening of Chinese people.”

Chinese journalist Shi Tao was sentenced to ten years in prison, when in 2005 he sent a government document through Yahoo’s email service to a foreign domain. A democratic activist from Guizhou, who wished to remain anonymous, said Google was a company of high credibility, and its G-mail service is used by some democratic and human rights advocates.

He said (recording):
“Many of our friends who seek democracy know not to use the email services in mainland China that are monitored. I have not heard of any information leaked from Gmail. The company Yahoo exposed Shi Tao’s message. As for Gmail, the CCP has attacked its server in search of trouble. The CCP is not afraid of it, even if it shuts down, they would not be scared of a company. The CCP has other search engines such as Baidu.”

According to David Drummond, in mid-December 2009, Google detected highly sophisticated and directed attacks on its corporate infrastructure, and that, “at least twenty other large companies from a wide range of businesses—including the Internet, finance, technology, media and chemical sectors—have been similarly targeted.”

A Hong Kong netizen named Li said the attacks on Google’s servers and websites that belong to Human Rights advocates have clearly originated from the CCP. Li said, (recording), “Cyber attacks on human rights organizations, are likely to originate from the CCP.

Google has threatened to give up on this market, because it has been affected, globalisation is happening everywhere nowadays.”

In order to compromise with the Chinese Communist Regime’s online censorship policies, Google introduced Google.cn for mainland China in January 2006.

Craig Richter; Wen Hong; and Si Ming of the SOH Radio Network.

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Revelations of emergency meeting on H1N1

Insiders in the Harbin Disease Control Centre have spoken of a secret emergency meeting held in November last year. The participants supposedly said mainland media have misled the public, and are jeopardising medical staff and the parents of single children. As yet, there is no cure for Influenza A also known as H1N1.

The emergency meeting was attended by local epidemic experts, the secretary of the Disease Control Centre and medical professors of city level hospitals.

An anonymous insider spoke to reporters (recording):
“Cases of maternal mortality are much higher in October; a dozen died in Harbin. Theoretically, the chances of maternal mortality are one out of a hundred thousand a year. But since a dozen have died, the number is now excessive. The secretary of the disease control centre is also a medical expert. He said the Influenza A strain has a mortality rate ten times more severe than those in the past. In addition to its high death rate, it is widespread, peaking multiple times.”

Experts at the meeting said H1N1 is highly infectious. There’s a large gap between media reports and the actual number of deaths. The actual number is likely ten to a hundred times more. Insiders believe the rampant spread of H1N1 is due to misleading domestic media reports.

The anonymous insider further revealed (recording):
“Maternal deaths occur when pregnant women developed high fevers and some die after giving birth. The virus progresses very quickly. Medical experts haven’t revealed the exact figure. H1N1 is so fierce, while media reports are untrue and harmful.”
Currently, the media are reporting the infection rate at 3%, compared to the actual infection rate of 6 to 25%. Because of the false reports, medical staff is also prone to infections.

The insider said (recording):
“Because the media conceals the truth, health care workers suffer a great deal. For instance, one coma patient was sent here without knowing he had Influenza A. As a result, his doctors didn’t take any protective measures. No one had any knowledge they were patients of Influenza A when they arrived until it was confirmed by tests.”
Our sources reveal the Communist authorities have stopped giving false reports on the state of H1N1. The epidemic is now too rampant, and quarantine has become ineffective.

According to the insider (recording):
“The first maternal death was on October 18th. She lay unconscious at the Red Cross Hospital. When she was transferred to the top Municipal Hospital, she was already in a coma. Doctors had no idea what she suffered while nurses did not take preventive measures at all. When she died, it was confirmed she was an H1N1 victim. Until now, humankind has no remedy to subdue the virus.”

The most vulnerable groups are pregnant women, people with ailments and children. According to feedback from the general public in Harbin, families of H1N1 victims have nowhere to lodge complaints or expose the true situation. This is due to the blockade by Communist authorities. People in mainland China find it hard to access overseas reports on the outbreak.

Chris Thomas and Xin Yi of the SOH Radio Network.

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Dodgy new homes force Sichuan survivors into tents

Lichun town in Pengzhou of Sichuan was one of main areas devastated by the 2008 earthquake. Houses were constructed to provide homes for victims. However they’ve been many complaints of problems with the houses, including cracks, burst pipes and other issues. Basically the homes are unsuitable for living and victims have been forced to remain in tents.

Yang Jianrong from Lihe village in Lichun, told reporters about the housing problems (recording):
“The most serious problem effecting houses in the neighborhood are broken sewer pipes. This is not being dealt with. They didn’t build good foundations, it is sloppy work, and the cement can be removed by a light touch of the hand. How can we live in houses like this? I have even borrowed money to build a new house.”

Yang Jianrong said they’d tried speaking to the company and government department in charge of construction. This was unsuccessful, further the village Party cadre has been unhelpful.

Yang Jianrong described her conditions (recording):
“My house is a shed built with plastic bags. It’s very cold. There are young and old in my family, my father-in-law and mother-in-law, my grandma is already 90 years old and we still live in this shed. How can we survive this winter? The quality of this new house is a problem, it’s terrible! I talked to our village officials but they refuse to admit any problems.”

Mr Song, a resident in Huapeng neighborhood of Lichun said the local government says the houses meet building standards. Now they’re demanding the residents pay off building costs or they won’t provide power.

Mr Song spoke to reporters (recording):
“The houses appear to be cracking, and the ground underneath keeps submerging, there are problems with the housing quality. They asked us to pay but we didn’t. We still owed more than 13,000 renminbi. There are allowances for construction efforts after disasters. Our house cost over 100,000, the government pays half and loaned 30,000 from the bank, individually we pay 20 to 30 thousand. We pay our money to the officials and they give it to the building company. The power is ready but he said if you don’t pay, they won’t connect it.”

Another resident of Lihe village, Chen Huixiong said no one is dealing with these housing problems.

Chen Huixiong told media (recording):
“There are over 200 households in our neighborhood. There are many different problems in our neighborhood. How can we live if our houses are crooked? If one day there’s a sudden earthquake, could it resist an eight point earthquake? I have been petitioning to Chengdu City.”

Chris Thomas; Xin Yi; and Liu Fang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Csaba Sogor, Romanian politician says it is the duty of all leading world nations to support freedom and democracy in China.

Special report: Politicians speak out against CCP attack on SOH

CADEN PEARSON: Hello and welcome to the program. I’m your host, Caden Pearson. A special report this episode, as we update our listeners on the situation in Indonesia and Taiwan, where the Chinese Communist regime has made strong efforts to shut down our broadcasts. Both via shortwave into China’s heartland, and terrestrially around parts of Indonesia and Singapore.

Here’s a recap of the situation for new listeners.

SOH Radio Network leases air time through government-owned Radio Taiwan International, to broadcast shortwave into China, it’s Chinese-language uncensored, independent news and cultural programs. Earlier this year, the Communist regime lobbied Radio Taiwan Internationals CEO to discontinue their contract with SOH. Despite several rounds of communications and negotiations, on December 9, 2009, Radio Taiwan International reduced SOH’s broadcasting hours, and increased its leasing fee.

Traveling south now, the Communist regime has also struck out at SOH in Indonesia. Radio EraBaru 106.5FM, is a local Indonesian station that has been broadcasting SOH’s Chinese-language programs for the last four years. The station broadcasts SOH content to Chinese-speaking communities in the area, providing the only alternative source of China-related news, outside of state-controlled propaganda.

In May 2007, Indonesia’s Broadcasting Committee, KPI, published news on their website stating the Chinese Embassy had requested KPI closely monitor Radio EraBaru 106.5FM. A letter from the Chinese Embassy was leaked, with no name signed. It included many groundless and false accusations against Falun Gong, NTDTV and SOH Radio. It requested Indonesian authorities stop the radio operation. The letter was addressed to four Ministries of Indonesia – KPI, the Ministry of Foreign Relationships, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Ministry of Communication and Information.

And here’s the latest developments on this issue.

European Parliament Vice President, Edward McMillan-Scott, and Canadian MP, David Kilgour, as well as Human Rights Without Frontiers Director, Willy Fautre, have spoken out against the these actions of the Chinese Communist regime to suppress free and independent media and democracy in Taiwan and Indonesia.

The Hon. David Kilgour wrote to Indonesia President Yudhoyono, saying he found it “deeply troubling that a foreign government with a well-documented record for systematically violating its own citizens dignity and their basic human rights” could write to the Indonesian government to demand the closing down of a domestic station in Indonesia and seemingly be listened to.

VP McMillan-Scott said, “It is well-documented that Beijing maintains complete control over all media in China, and attempts to control media flow out of the country. However, it is still up to the free world in how they react to such an attempt.”

VP McMillan-Scott also wrote letters to Indonesia’s Supreme Court Judge, the Hon. Judge Tumpa, and Taiwan President, Ying-Jeou Ma. In their letters, both said the rejection of Radio EraBaru’s license is undeserved, and urged Indonesia President Yudhoyono to take action to rectify the situation. The case is now in the hands of the Indonesia Supreme Court.

SOH President, Allen Zeng, has spoken publicly on this issue. He said:

ALLEN ZENG: We are very concerned about the situation of Radio EraBaru station in Indonesia. We have contracts; we provide news and cultural programs through them. SOH works with many radio stations around the world in this way. We believe this is an extremely urgent issue. The Chinese regime is directly pressuring an independent country to close down is own independent media. We will call upon our friends, other news media, and governments around the world to urge them to help in this issue and work together to save this radio station.

CADEN PEARSON: Joining these voices are three European politicians who have voiced their support of SOH and free media and democracy, condemning the actions of the Communist regime.

Astrid Lulling, EU Parliamentarian says Taiwan must resist pressure from CCP.

ASTRID LULLING: They should resist the pressure from Beijing! I know this is not very easy, but you must have the courage to do so! And if you have, then they will understand that they don’t come through with their dictatorship against free press!

CADEN PEARSON: Astrid Lulling there, sharing her impassioned thoughts on how the Taiwanese government should respond to the Communist regime’s pressure. Lulling is a politician in Luxembourg, and a Member of the European Parliament for the Christian Social People’s Party, part of the European People’s Party. She told SOH, the situation is “unacceptable!”

ASTRID LULLING: I’m very much attached to free media, because it’s basic of democracy. And I think it’s very important that people are well, and objectively informed, and I regret very much that the People’s Republic of China, once again, to go against free media, and against objective information of the population. I think the population… You should take much more seriously. The population does want to be well informed. And then also, if they are well informed, they react well, and they judge well. And even politicians who are not well informed cannot judge well, and decide well. So it’s very important to have free press, free media. And it’s very regrettable that they think they should close this down.

CADEN PEARSON: In his letter addressed to Taiwan President, Ying-Jeou Ma, Vice President McMillan-Scott said he had faith in the democracy and freedom of press in Taiwan. He remarked that almost at the same time that government-funded Radio Taiwan International reduced SOH’s broadcast hours, their government gave a Taiwan Foundation for Democracy award to a North Korean who broadcasts into his country, commending his “courage to pursue freedom” and his “having no fear of a totalitarian regime”.

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CSABA SOGOR: … In history there were different powers and different empires, but our duty is to support China to behave as a leading power. And we know exactly from the recent history, of the European Union, or Europe, but from the old history too, that to behave as a leading power, that means not to count the money and to invest in economy, but human rights issues, minority rights, protection of languages are also very important.

CADEN PEARSON: Csaba Sogor is a pastor of the Reformed Church, and a politician in Romania. That was his voice you heard just now, saying other world powers have a duty to keep the Chinese regime in line, behaving as a leading power of the world should; respecting human rights and freedom of speech.

CSABA SOGOR: … And I hope that not just the Uighur, or Tibet problem will be solved, in a, let’s not say democratical [sic] way, but in a human way. Not as the leaders, or the majority things, or the Falun Gong issue, but also we think that to be a leader of the world, or being a leading power, you will be not afraid from the freedom of speech. You will be not afraid of different cultures, different religions, different traditions, and also you will not be afraid of free radios, Internet, televisions, news… Because a power; an empire, we know the European history was always signing his death when he tries to cut information, when he tries to control infrastructure, when he tries to control freedom of speech, the free thinking.

CADEN PEARSON: Sogor expressed his hope the Communist regime would learn from the mistakes made during Europe’s long history.

CSABA SOGOR: Of course, Europe had opportunity, the possibility in the last 3,000 years to learn a lot from his history, from his mistakes. Why should other empires, or other leading powers follow this long story to learn or not learn from this history. So I hope that we can help China to behave as a leading power.

Who will be the leading power of the world in the next 50 years. But until then, we have one thing to do… Not to decide who will be the leading power, but to support all countries and all regions to develop a free, democratic society where not just the money has to say something, but also the human rights and the freedom of speech.”

CADEN PEARSON: Romanian politician Csaba Sogor there, saying it is the duty of all leading world nations to support freedom and democracy in China.

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Wolf Klinz, German politician, says he is willing to contact the heads of state of Taiwan and Indonesia to encourage them to respect freedom of press.

CADEN PEARSON: Wolf Klinz is a German politician and member of the European Parliament with the Free Democratic Party of Germany, part of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and sits on the European Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. In a recent interview with SOH, Klinz said the Communist regime should run the country in such a manner that provides no reason to fear domestic or international reports that may be critical of the authorities.

WOLF KLINZ: Well, we should not give in easily on these things. I think, also China, in this particular case, the government of mainland China in Beijing should not feel that, or see the need to interfere. That proves only that they are afraid of the free media. Why should they be afraid? They should organise their country, their society in such a manner that there’s no reason to be afraid of anybody reporting from outside or inside for that matter.

CADEN PEARSON: Klinz said it is the European Union’s desire to see freedom of press valued in all world nations.

WOLF KLINZ: Well, you know the European Union considers itself to be a union of values. And one of the values is freedom of press. And we do not want anybody, whether its politics, business or whatever, to interfere with the freedom of press. And therefore we have a very strong interest in seeing in other areas of the world, the freedom of press is being protected, and accepted as a value. Almost as a human right, so to speak, of society.

CADEN PEARSON: Klinz said he is willing to contact the heads of state of Taiwan and Indonesia to encourage them to respect freedom of press.

WOLF KLINZ: I think this is something that’s in everybody’s interest. Very much like the personal freedom. And we hope eventually they do realise this is something worth defending. This is what we try to do.

CADEN PEARSON: Klinz said he has faced critical reports on several occasions. When he feels a report is wrong, he will enter into a dialogue with the reporter to correct it. When there is nothing to hide, there is no reason to do so.

WOLF KLINZ: But we should not take one or two incidents of a similar nature to ban completely.

***

CADEN PEARSON: For all intents and purposes, the relationship between SOH and Radio Taiwan International seemed to be going strong, SOH’s Taiwan representative Ms Ko said last week. Since 2004, SOH has increased its airtime every year. However, Ko said that during discussions this year on continuing their partnership, she feels that Radio Taiwan International has had pressure coming from the Communist regime.

MS KO: On the 3^rd of November of this year, the president of Radio Taiwan International, Mr Wang, said not only that the new contract cannot be processed due to pressure coming from the Chinese Communist Party, but that he is considering re-adjusting the original contract which ends in January of 2010.

CADEN PEARSON: Former Chinese diplomatic official, and defector, Chen Yong Lin, said the broadcasts by SOH are the biggest thorn in the side of the Communist regime, who seek to control the Chinese people, right down to their very thoughts.

CHEN YONG LIN: The core method that the Chinese Communist Party uses to control people is mind control. It wants to control every single Chinese person’s mind in order to maintain its political power. Therefore, the CCP is trying its best to control any types of information (broadcast). SOH Radio Network is always the most problematic issue for the Chinese Communist Party; because SOH is broadcasting justice (truth) into China through many channels, including the Internet, telephone and shortwave radio.

CADEN PEARSON: And that’s it for this special report episode of ICT. Check back with us for more updates as events unfold in the coming weeks. If you have any comments or feedback, drop us a line at our website, www.insidechinatoday.net, or send us an email at insidechinatoday@sohnetwork.com. Until next time, I’m your host, Caden Pearson.

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Reenactment of organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners in China.

Students warned not to leak information about Bird flu outbreak at their schools

Bird flu has been rampant across Chinese schools since the start of this term.  But school authorities have blocked information.  A college student recently told SOH that those who discussed the flu on the internet were warned by school officials.  The student said that information on the pandemic had been strictly censored by the Chinese regime.  Blogs and forums at various universities were shut down a few months ago, disallowing any postings.

Student (recording), “There have been many postings lately that talked about cover ups by the school.  Leaders have been specifically appointed to oversee speech, forums and blogs so as to limit the students’ freedom of speech.  They would investigate.  The internet centre at our school has the technology detect this topic.  So students dare not talk freely.”

The student continued (recording), “The Deputy Director role at our school is the same as Vice Mayor.  One of them used to be a Vice Mayor.  No one can touch him.  Many students do not approve of the various conducts of the current leadership.  Students’ complaints about embezzlement, etc. were blocked by the school authorities.”

It is reported that following the closure of China BT Net, and the renowned VeryCD download site will also be shut down within the month.  This year the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television has pulled the plug on 414 audio visual sites.

A student named Wu from Xi’an Posts and Telecommunications University said (recording), “Sealed schools do not allow internet access.  Students can not watch TV, even in their dorms.  There is nothing to do after school.  We are getting rather agitated.  Our school has been sealed off for nearly a month and a half.  The quarantine should have been completed.”

A female student from Wu Yi University said (recording), “The information is not given out to the public.  I know of two in our class, but are unsure about others.  Not just our school, I think most schools are like that.  But from a students’ perspective, most believe the information should be disclosed so that everyone knows where things stand.”

Chris Thomas; Lu Fang; and Yu Lian for Inside China for the SOH Radio Network.

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Eye-witness comes forward, moved by Falun Gong practitioner’s resilience

On December 12, the World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) reported new evidence on the Chinese Communist Regime’s crimes of live organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners. A new witness gave details of his personal account as a bystander, while vital organs including heart and kidneys were harvested from a live female Falun Gong practitioner in her 30’s.

During an interview with SOH Radio Network, WOIPFG’s spokesperson Wang Zhiyuan said the new witness, who once worked in the police bureau of Liaoning Province, spoke out to reveal what he had seen, as he was deeply moved by the upright character, compassion and tolerance of Falun Gong practitioners in the face of death.

Wang said (recording) “The Falun Gong practitioner he had contact with was extremely strong willed. He said, at the time, the deputy chief of the detention center kicked her face with tough leather shoes, while incessantly shocking her with an electric baton; during the winter climate they poured cold water on her body, and stripped her clothes… this kind of physical and mental torment went on and on. According to his account, with countless cuts and bruises all over her body, she refused to hit back or return any verbal abuse, and persisted with her belief. Even until the moment before her heart was cut out and her body sliced open, she still called out “Falun Dafa is Great”. She kindly advised her tormenters with hopes that they would awaken. This witness said the only request for practitioners of Falun Gong was to give one word of abuse [against the practice of Falun Gong], or sign there name to assure they would never practice again. It was a very simple task which to him looked like an act of raising one hand, but even so these Falun Gong practitioners did not comply, as they chose to guard their conscience and persist in their belief.”

According to Wang, another factor which contributed to the witness’ decision to speak out, was that the cruelty of the organ harvesting procedure shocked him. Wang said, in order to conceal his identity in their initial conversations the witness did not clearly state the location where the organ harvesting took place. However in subsequent conversations he clearly stated the location of the live organ harvesting was the 15th floor of the General Hospital of Shenyang Military Region. The witness expressed the inner torment he felt in failing to put a stop to these inhumane crimes, thus seeking consolation through exposing them.

(Recording) “The second point was how he witnessed the entire process of live organ harvesting.  The brutal acts he witnessed shock him still.”

When witnesses first spoke out to expose live organ harvesting in the secret concentration camp in Sujiatun, Shenyang city of Liaoning Province, on March 9, 2006, the news astounded the world. Wang Zhiyuan said, since then many organizations and individuals have carried out independent and undercover investigations. Two investigators from Canada, David Matas and David Kilgour recently published a book entitled “Bloody Harvest”, which was a collection of evidence in support of the allegations gathered through their independent systematic investigations. WOIPFG also holds a large amount of supporting evidence pointing to an organized  genocide of Falun Gong practitioners under the Chinese Communist regime.

(Recording) “This is genocide, systematically arranged and organized in mainland China and it has not been restricted to local regions. We can see this from a number of angles. Firstly, [the persecution] is carried out under government policies, supported by documents. It has been a nation-wide, large scale persecution lead by the national 6.10 office, which has mobilized all levels of government, police force as well as the military. Secondly, people who have taken part include the police, armed police, the People’s Salvation Army, ordinary citizens, as well as staff at various government levels. Also investigated was Chen Qiang, the liaison for kidney supplies at the Kidney Transplant Center of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) No. 307 Hospital in Beijing. Chen Qiang told us boldly and directly the way in which these transactions took place, and how organs of Falun Gong practitioners were harvested. He also said these activities were organized “like a dragon”. The imprisoned Falun Gong Practitioners are being stock piled and then sysematicly murdered while their organs are being removed.”

Wang Zhiyuan said, the reports from WOIPFG as well as the publication from David Matas and David Kilgour, along with the confessions submitted to Minghui.org by two forensic investigators who took part in these crimes, not only contribute to the proof of the Chinese Communist regime’s organ harvesting on Falun Gong practitioners, but give clear indication that these crimes continue to take place today. Wang Zhiyuan called on those who have participated in these crimes to assist in exposing the atrocities, obtain forgiveness as well as opening a path to the future for themselves and family members.

Craig Richter and Yu Shan for the SOH Radio Network.

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Appellant arrested for exposing false claim by China's CCTV.

Communist regime launches attack against SOH

SOH provides news, commentary, entertainment and cultural programming through the web, AM/FM in different cities, and shortwave to mainland China. SOH originated in Mandarin Chinese, and currently also offers programs in Cantonese Chinese, English, French, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean.

Well our network continues to expand, sharing with more of the world, the true situation of life in 21^st century Communist China. As part of our expansion, in 2005, an agreement was made between SOH in New York and a local station in Batam Indonesia to broadcast SOH’s Chinese programs. The station is called Radio Erabura. It broadcasts on 106.5 FM. It covers Batam Island, southern Malaysia and almost the entirety of Singapore. It also reaches ships that travel through the Singapore Strait.

However in 2007, the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia wrote letters to Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Intelligence, the National Broadcasting Committee and the Department of Communication and Information, demanding the Indonesian government close down the broadcasts. As a result the related agencies have not issued a license to Radio Erabura FM. Previously a license had been obtained through the provincial government. At the time of consideration, Radio Erabura was joined by five other stations who applied at the same time. Licenses were granted to all of them, while Radio Erabura’s was denied. To this day, they have given no clear reason why. Facing closure, Radio Erabura FM sued the agency but lost. They have now appealed to the Supreme Court. If Radio Erabura lose again, it will be a substantial loss for freedom of press. Radio Erabura reached up to 2.7 million Chinese speakers who only previously received the propaganda of the Communist regime.

Now over to Taiwan. Since 2004, SOH has been leasing air time on a government funded radio station to broadcast shortwave into the heart of China. With this we have been able to bring the truth to almost every part of China save the far west. Well, the Communist regime, ever afraid of criticism and exposure of its crimes, has launched an attack against SOH. Using illegal means to pressure the Taiwanese government, they have influenced Radio International Taiwan’s CEO to reduce our broadcasting hours.

On a daily basis SOH uncovers atrocities committed by the CCP against the Chinese people and broadcasts it for all to hear. The CCP is petrified of what will happen when the world knows about what it does to people in China who practice Falun Gong.

A recent report by SOH shows that our signal is audible 50%-80% of the time in the heart of China. This was even so during this years National Day on October 1^st, when the Communist regime tried to seal off all free flow of information to China.

However, following a change of government in Taiwan, the CCP began to entice the government to cancel SOH’s China broadcasting. In November of this year, SOH learned that RTI planned to discontinue their contract with SOH in this coming January. SOH contacted government officials and managed to prevent RTI from completely canceling the contract.

The reduction of hours not only impacts on the window of opportunity Chinese nationals have in learning China’s true situation through our broadcasts, but it means the CCP has a foot in the hypothetical door to Taiwan. Paving the way for further interference.

SOH hopes our listeners will pay attention to this situation. We will bring you updates on the situation as events unfold in the coming weeks and months.

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Appellants outraged over false claims of peace

China’s CCTV announced there were zero petitions as of December 2nd in Tianjin. This has outraged appellants who say the announcement is just a ploy to prop up the Communist Party’s theme of harmony. Appellants are asking when or where in China are there no petitions? The announcement came on the day before China’s Law Popularisation Day.

Tianjin appellant, Ning Jinxia, told SOH the announcement is a setup, , “As early as the 16th of September, Tianjin Municipal Politics and Law Committee notified appellants that anyone registering a complaint that day would be guaranteed an answer within two months. There was no need to re-visit within the two months. Word got around and there were about 300 appellants that registered. With this ploy no petitioners would appear on camera.”

According to Ning it was all lip service since no one who registered on the 16th of September got an answer, “When appellants met at the Complaints Bureau, they asked one another whose issue had been resolved. It had been almost three months without an answer. How could they talk about zero petitions? It was obvious deception. For example, the child of Zhao Huimin from Hongtiaozi died of a medical accident. The body is still frozen at the morgue, has the ten-year-old case been resolved? Zhang Guilan from Hong Tiaozi has been appealing for her brother’s muders for twenty years. Wu Jinlong, Jiang Yun and others from Hebei District have been going through the legal processes for six or seven years after their houses were forcibly demolished by the [Communist Party]. It has been ten years since the enterprise of Taiwanese Huang Qingen was illegally auctioned by the court. Have the fifty-odd additional cases that the Central Politics and Law Committee taken on in 2007, been dealt with? Nothing has been resolved.”

The announcement by China’s CCTV has presented what many call a false picture of peace. They appellants say it will not work. “We will persist in upholding our legal rights. CCTV advertised zero petitions in Tianjin, we will go to Beijing, to the Supreme Court.”

Craig Richter, Fu Ming and Yi Fan for SOH Radio Network.

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REJECTED: Appellants gather to sue Shanghai government

Several hundred petitioners from Shanghai gathered in Beijing to sue the Shanghai government. Petitioners complaining of the Shanghai government’s corruption were refused a meeting and some were even openly kidnapped and escorted back to Shanghai.

Shanghai petitioner, Shen Peilan had this to say, “We went to the National Complaint and Letters Bureau this morning, there were several hundred people at the Bureau’s gate, they did not come out to meet us. We sang the International song together, and also sang that the Communist party is good, the Communist party is people’s good leader, wholeheartedly grabbing the money for themselves” … Everyone just sang like that.”

Shanghai petitioner, Tong Guojing added. “Ordinary people are really without choice. Under this tyrannical system, ordinary people have nowhere to complain about injustice, there’s nowhere for them to complain. This society has come to this, we have all entered a hopeless situation. Yesterday was Yang Jia’s 1st anniversary, which is why many petitioners planned to go there yesterday. However, they guessed that they will set up an ambush so they then went to the National Bureau. In the end, the incident occurred at the national Bureau. Now we tussle back and forth, it is not clear when the ordinary people will see the end.”

Shanghai petitioner, Qiu Meili said that although authorities have forced them to a dead end, they will persist.

“Now they have forced us to a dead end. Last time we wanted to come too. It is reasonable and fair that we petition the National Bureau, but they stop us from petitioning. They arrest us and detain us. We cannot do anything about it. In any event, we will continue to fight. There are many refugees escaping outside, and they will continue to fight. Whatever happens, we will fight to the end. We won’t stop fighting just like this if the suppression does not stop.”

Shanghai petitioners have designated the last week of the month as their Petitioning Activity day.

Keith Ware; Wen Fang and Wang Zhen for SOH Radio Network.

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Police say they will fight for their right to live.

Police protest lack of compensation after dismissal

On November 16th, nearly one hundred police in Hubei Province gathered in front of the municipal government building. They braved rain and snow to protest their unfair dismissal in 1995 that left them with no pension, medical insurance or any other source of income. They asked the government to re-instate their status and give them proper compensation. Their banners read slogans like, “Strongly condemn the government’s non-action. Firmly destroy the protection of corrupt power.”

After heated negotiations, officials in the Complaints Bureau promised an answer within one month. SOH interviewed one of the protestors, Wei Qunhua on November 20th. He had this to say, “All were employed as police in 1987 through selection of personnel files and tests results. Eighteen years was the longest tenure. According to relevant governmental regulations, they should have been given the status of permanent employees. But 86 status quotas were secretly sold or given to his beneficiaries by the former Qianjiang Municipal Party Secretary.”

After their dismissal, these police were not compensated and had to find odd  jobs to support themselves. Dismissed policeman Huang Xinqiang barely sustained himself as an unskilled laborer. He contracted pneumonia but had no money for treatment. His condition got worse daily and, eventually. he died at home.

His daughter-in-law said (Recording),

“These police have appealed many times to various levels of government to no avail. After the 1st of October of this year, six went to Beijing to appeal. When the government got wind of this, the Deputy Political Commissar of the Public Security Bureau flew to Beijing with his gang to round up the six and escort them back.”

The protesters said they are determined to fight for their right to live.

Caden Pearson; Keith Ware and Tian Xi for the SOH Radio Network.

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Thousands of laid off workers protest over corruption

Over eight factories in Datong City are bankrupt and have shut down. Ten thousand workers are out of work. On November 21st, many of these workers gathered publicly demanding government aid. They have received no reply. The rally was monitored by 1000 police officers.
On November 26th a laid-off cement factory worker spoke to SOH. He said at about 8am, the crowd numbers were at its peak. They occupied the centre of a public square and blocked traffic. The crowd was forced to disperse and police are now monitoring the area.

He told SOH (Recording):
“There were frequent gatherings a few days ago. Over ten thousand people gathered and one thousand police officers. They didn’t arrest anyone, and only urged us to go. They would stare at you if you didn’t start moving. The place was full of police.”

Another laid-off worker revealed that many workers lost their jobs after the company went bankrupt. He told SOH (Recording):
“This factory was sold to another company. Two other factories were sold to a cement factory in Jinzhong. No one is handling the aftermath. There are many former workers with no money, even for treating illnesses. Some have killed themselves, some have starved to death. One person had cancer and had no money for treatment, how could he not kill himself? Many young people have starved to death.”

Another worker said he couldn’t pay the bills at home. He said (Recording):
“We have no heater or working stove at home. We’ve had no water since May. Many other workers have moved away from their homes. We have nowhere to go so we must freeze. It’s been three to four months without pay. They don’t help with medical expenses or insurance. My sons have gone without pay for two to three months. They’re from bankrupt factories also and some have turned to theft. What can be done? Society is in chaos.”

One worker told SOH, the factory foreman had embezzled funds, spending it on luxury cars, mistresses and sending his children abroad. He told SOH (Recording):
“Corruption has seen several thousand dollars spent on wine. An official sent (their children) to England. He spent thousands on his child’s schooling and also brought a Mini car. We have a leader here who spent about 1 million, and he travels several times a year. They buy extravagant gifts using millions of dollars from our factory but do not pay any compensation, not even a pair of gloves.”

The laid-off workers have petitioned to all levels of the government without result. Instead people were arrested by the Police.
(Recording): No use going to Beijing, you will be arrested back here by City police after going there and detained by the Public Security Bureau. More than 10 were arrested from our factory. We tried to call the TV station but no one paid any attention to us.

Mainland factories changed systems becoming bankrupt, while officials practiced corruption. This forced workers to buyout their length of service leading towards a struggled survival. This was the reason behind the crowd incident in Datong, and petitioning in Beijing .

Chris Thomas; and Tian Qi of the SOH Radio Network.

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US President Barack Obama's visit to mainland China has galvanised many human rights lawyers (marcn/flickr).

- Human rights attorneys blocked from seeing Obama

- Tang Jitian’s reaction to Obama’s visit

- ‘9 Commentaries’ slogans awaken people

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Human rights attorneys blocked from seeing Obama

Barack Obama’s visit to China has seen human rights lawyers placed under tight control. Before Obama’s arrival in Beijing, reports reveal the President intended to meet Chinese human rights attorneys. However, lawyers such as Li Heping, Li Fangping, Mo Shaoping and several others have been under heavy surveillance. Attorney Li Renbing told SOH that on November 18th, several attorneys made phone calls to the US embassy hoping to meet the President. While they waited outside the embassy, national and public security officers caught wind of their plan and rushed in taking them away.

Li Renbing spoke to SOH on the day (Recording):
“Early in the morning we called the US embassy. Officials at the embassy asked us to wait until 11:30am. Basically, what they were saying or implying was, due to safety concerns, there was no arrangement for the President to meet us. There were too many plain clothed police and security personnel outside. If no one inside the embassy took us inside, there was no way we could get in. It might be diplomatic concern, or possibly concern for our safety behind the decision not to see us. The President does not want to get us in trouble, and ruin our careers among other things.”

Attorney Zhang Kai just came back from a visit to the US. There he testified at the U.S. Congress. He had hoped to meet with President Obama. Zhang believes human rights have no borders and powerful world leaders have an obligation to defend human rights and justice.

Zhang spoke to SOH (Recording):
“A truly great nation has an obligation to uphold justice. When Obama visited China, he did make breakthroughs on human rights issues. Bilateral talks between China and the US on human rights issues have been restarted. At the same time however, we are quite disappointed. We did not get a chance to meet President Obama. We still have expectations. We believe Obama is not only the President of the United States but also the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. He has more obligations. He should take more responsibity in upholding moral values.”

Attorney Li Fangping was followed and monitored by police the day before Obama’s arrival. He believes the main concern for the President should be human rights.

Li said (Recording):
“The topics of rule of law, human rights and Tibet were touched upon in a very general manner. However, there’s been little discussion on freedom of religious belief. It’s custom for US Presidents to speak out on religious freedom. I feel this is an important issue. In the US Constitution, the very first freedom is religious freedom. In China, people have great difficulties practicing their beliefs.”

Attorney Jiang Tianyong wasn’t allowed to leave his home 24 hours after returning to Beijing from the US. Jiang told SOH that seven national security and one public security officer interrogated him for an hour. Public security officers have kept up surveillance outside his apartment since July 30th. The site is still in operation.

Freelance writer Chen Pokong commented recently saying that Obama did not get the chance to meet Chinese civilians during his visit. It’s unknown whether the CCP was solely responsible, or if it was part of a secret bilateral agreement. This is different from Obama’s predecessor. In June 2008, then US President George Bush met human rights attorney Li Heping at the White House and had pictures taken with them.

Chris Thomas; Li Yifei; and Feng Ming of the SOH Radio Network

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Tang Jitian’s reaction to Obama’s visit

On November 18th, US President Barack Obama completed his three day visit to China. His speech on human rights and internet blockades have been filtered and censored by the Chinese government. During his visit, petitioners have been monitored and suppressed heavily. Well known Beijing human rights lawyer, Tang Jitian says the most important political leader of the Western world’s visit to China, lead to serious human rights violations.

Obama was supposed to meet several human rights lawyers during his visit but that didn’t happen. On the contrary more abuse to Chinese lawyers has occurred.

Tang Jitian, who has defended Falun Gong practitioners, AIDS victims, victims of land seizures, and prisoners of labor and re-education campsm, says President Obama should “push China to political civilization.” He believes pushing forward and improving human rights depends ultimately on Chinese people.

Tang spoke to SOH and had this to say: (Recording):

“The US planned to meet lawyers undertaking human rights work, but this hasn’t occurred. Many lawyers have been forced to stay home during his visit and some were taken away while following his vehicle. On the surface, nothing has greatly improved. It depends on Chinese people to push forward step by step the development of society in China. External efforts are a factor but we cannot rely heavily on them. Before his journey is complete, if he can express his concern on these issues through diplomatic or other appropriate channels, it confirms him as a lawyer, a powerful leader, and as a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.”

Tang reminded the world’s leaders to quickly grasp the truth of the Chinese government. The world should push forward human rights as a means to civilization.

Tang said (Recording):

“Economic and political cooperation between nations should be long-term goals. However it should be clear, that due to present economic needs much action has been taken lacking foresight, which is harmful in the long term. I feel Europe and America have international standing, and have made outstanding progress on their human rights and legal systems. This should push forward the civilization of the whole world, especially in the political realm. Politics are an important starting point in foreign dealings. Western leaders should also think about the values they uphold when in contact with China. Historically, they mustn’t be like the Anglo-French who dealt with the Czechs and Polish haphazardly. They had a random policy which was harmful not only to them, but also to themselves.”

Keith Ware, Li Yifei and Han Fei of the SOH Radio Network.

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‘9 Commentaries’ awaken people

Five years ago, The Epoch Times published “Nine commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party”, a book which analysed in depth, the lies and violent nature of the Chinese communist regime. The publication exposed the great catastrophe brought on the people of China by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and subsequently instigated the “Quit the CCP” movement. Five years on, over 63 million people have now denounced their membership in the CCP and related organizations, and voices from China call for an even wider spread of this book.

According to Wang, a teacher in Zhejiang, when the “Nine Commentaries” was published five years ago, she read it through the Internet, and was moved to the point, that she immediately denounced her membership from the party. Wang introduced the book to friends, and persuaded some friends to quit the CCP. She hopes that more people will help to spread the “Nine Commentaries”, in particular toward the younger generation.

Wang said (recording),
“I read the “Nine Commentaries” in 2004, and the most beneficial aspect, was that I came to know the great amount of history that had been covered up by the Chinese Communist regime. For example, I only learned about historical events such as that of the Great Famine during 1959 and 1960, through the “Nine Commentaries”. Once I read it, I had a clear understanding of the truths and facts of events that took place since [the CCP] was established in China 60 years ago. I came to realize that we had been kept in the dark, and lived with lies and deceit. Subsequently I quit the CCP through the Internet, and mobilized some friends around me to also quit the CCP. The “Nine Commentaries” can be spread further to our younger generation. Since the 80’s and 90’s, there existed a broken ridge in their understanding of the history of our nation. Hence I feel we should let more people learn the truths of history, and clearly see the ugly face of the CCP. ”

Mr Lei from Hunan said, the “Nine Commentaries” is a great historical composition, which revealed the truths of history which the CCP had concealed. He suggested the publication should be mass printed and distributed. (Recording)
“This book, the “Nine Commentaries”, presented the real history of the CCP’s evil, through analysis backed by facts. It is a historical composition with great value. The generation of our fathers and grandfathers, experienced the various calamities like those told in the “Nine Commentaries”, that was their life, I remember when I was younger, father was forced to wear tall hats, and paraded down the streets and all sorts of things. If we let more people learn about the “Nine Commentaries”, the people of mainland China will no longer protect the CCP, but will stand against it. Because many people now are still in the dark, we need to act as a compass in bringing an end to the CCP’s evil governance. We should not only spread it through the Internet, but also think of ways to distribute it in print.”

Mr Hu from mainland China often travels between countries to run his business. According to Hu, “The Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party” has been spread very far and wide in China, and words persuading people to quit the CCP have been posted everywhere. Hu believes that the regime is afraid of this publication, thus dares not to openly criticize it.

He said (Recording), “The entire “Nine Commentaries” provides an in-depth analysis of the CCP, it is very profound. For most ordinary citizens, it is seen as truly reasonable. It has been spread very widely, and one could say that the publication has struck the CCP’s lethal point, as the regime dares not to discuss or openly strike back. Slogans which promote the “Nine Commentaries” and withdrawals from CCP’s organizations can be regularly seen in various parts of society, and in some places these slogans are openly visible beside government buildings.”

According to Mr Jaing Suge, the Chinese Communist regime is now corrupt to a point which surpasses that of the late Qing Dynasty. He believes it is inevitable for the heavens to eliminate the CCP.

“The Nine Commentaries on the Chinese Communist Party” can remove one’s fear toward the CCP, thus escape its lies and control. (Recording) “The “Nine Commentaries” has significant impact on changing the thoughts of a Chinese person, and correcting it to a righteous state. The “Nine Commentaries” not only reflects the truths of history, people also gain clear understandings, I have refused those lies, and now feel immune to the fear I had felt in the past. The CCP is a gigantic cult, and more than 90% of ordinary citizens very much hate it. China used to have three million square kilometres of ocean area, but 1.5 million has now been taken by foreign countries, yet we are unable to do anything. On this issue, the CCP is no better than the Qing Dynasty. So much of the historical heritage from the Qing Dynasty has disappeared.”

Matthew Ytsma; Wang Qian; and Yu Yin of the SOH Radio Network

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Vaccinations for H1N1 influenza are underway as the disease spreads rapidly through colleges.

- Colleges closed due to H1N1 influenza

- Low income earners in China cannot afford medical treatment

- Chinese people voice support for the ‘Quit CCP’ movement

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Colleges closed due to H1N1 influenza

There’s been a rapid increase in the spread of ‘Type A’ H1N1 influenza in Chinese schools. Online reports reveal many colleges have closed. Student bodies are dissatisfied with the lack of protective measures. Especially in Xian Technical College, the Kunming Institute of Technology, Jinqiao College and Dezhou College.

Online reports reveal a student at the Xian Technical College in Shanxi died without receiving proper treatment for the flu. A fellow student named Wang criticized the college saying they took no preventive measures and didn’t care for the students.

Wang told SOH (Recording):

“A while ago, many students had high temperatures, about 38 to 39 degrees Celsius. The college told them to go home, just like that without dealing with it. When you’re sick you see a doctor. There is only one person in the college clinic, sometimes he works and sometimes he doesn’t. The facilities in the college are very bad, students are very dissatisfied. They have complained, but the college hasn’t dealt with it.”

There are hundreds of unconfirmed cases at the Kunming Institute of Technology, and only 22 confirmed cases. Since November 11th, the college closed the school but did not cancel classes.

A student told SOH (Recording):

“From the start the college has taken no protective measures. I feel they should’ve cancelled classes and evacuated immediately. But they closed the college, and kept the classes running. In the last two days they’ve kept strict attendance rolls. Many students were fine but now they’re infected.”

Dezhou College in Shandong reports 29 confirmed cases. Many students have been transferred to a warehouse. A student named Lin from the college said due to the breakout, students who don’t have the flu are being isolated.

Lin told SOH (Recording):

“In Shandong, the temperature dropped suddenly and it also began snowing. The temperature changes drastically between day and night. Many have caught a cold and have high fevers. But no one has said it is Type A influenza. There’s now a makeshift hospital in the college. A building in the south zone is now an isolation area.”

A student named Bai, from Shanxi Province, said the situation there is very severe.

Bai told SOH (Recording):
“Basically all colleges have closed, including Taiyuan Science and Engineering, and Shanxi University. Many students have taken early holidays, I hear they’ll return in the New Year.”

Keith Ware; Lin Li; and Si Ming of the SOH Radio Network.

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Low income earners in China cannot afford medical treatment

In China many citizens fear getting ill. For those living in poverty, sickness only adds more trouble to their already difficult lives. On November 9th, our Chinese SOH branch carried out an investigation into the state of healthcare in parts of China. All the interviewees said they wouldn’t go to hospital, as it’s difficult and expensive to receive treatment.

Ms Mei, from Chongqing, suffers an eye affliction preventing her from seeing clearly, yet she doesn’t seek treatment.

She told SOH (Recording):
“We don’t have enough money for treatment. Even when we fall sick, we don’t have money to pay for treatment. We never see the doctor.”

Mr Wang, from rural Hubei Province, notes the high medical expenses stop people from getting treatment.

Mr Wang said (Recording):
“My hand hurts badly, but I still don’t dare visit the hospital. I’ve checked in at a small health clinic twice, but I dare not go to a hospital after going there. I don’t want to go to a hospital as I have no money.”

Most people cannot afford to go to hospital. Often they suffer the illness at home and take cheap medicines or herbal medicine. They’ll do this until the illness becomes more serious.

Ms Mei said there were no alternatives. She also told us (Recording):
“We’ll buy medicine to treat a cold and let it drag on, nothing can be done. If we have time, or we have a very serious illness, we’ll go to sleep and take some cold or herbal medicine.”

Ms Liu who was laid-off from a silk factory in Chongqing told SOH (Recording):
“Some people suffer cancer and don’t have money for treatment. They let it drag on until they die, and pass away like that. There’s nothing that can be done, who will care for you, no one cares for you.”

Currently in all parts of China, the coverage of medical insurance is narrow, the standard of reimbursement is low, and the requirements for getting insurance are difficult and complicated. These factors have prevented people from getting treatment or insurance. Further, the local government has shown little interest in healthcare for poorer communities. This has made it difficult for many people to receive medical care.

Mr Ping who lives in one of Shaanxi Province’s Economic Development Zones, said three years ago his land was appropriated for nine thousand Yuan. Mr Ping has no land for farming and a small source of income.

He said to SOH (Recording):
“Our village has no medical insurance. The village cadre reimburses us with less than twenty Yuan annually, and less than twenty Yuan for medical expenses.”

Mr. Wang from Hubei said everyone in their village needs to pay 30 Yuan for medical insurance but receives almost no reimbursement for treatment procedures.

He said (Recording):
“If you’re very ill and the clinics can’t treat it. Local authorities will only reimburse two thousand Yuan for a treatment costing ten thousand Yuan. You even need to have a relationship with the health director; you need to give him a gift.”

On November 9th, Xinlang.Net featured a survey carried out by the ‘Economy Consultation’ magazine. The survey revealed many low income communities throughout China’s cities are poorer due to health problems. This problem has become widespread, and the current level of government support and insurance is very inadequate.

Chris Thomas; Tian Ling; and Wang Zhen of the SOH Radio Network.

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Chinese people voice support for the ‘Quit CCP’ movement

According to information from the Global Service Center for Quitting the CCP, a teacher in mainland China revealed that most Chinese civilians are very unhappy with the communist regime.

The past 20 years has demonstrated to the Chinese people that the demolition of the Berlin Wall was the right choice for the people. So many Chinese people support the ”Quitting the CCP” movement, hoping it will soon end the CCP’s reign and in a peaceful manner.

Teacher Mu, who used his real name to renounce the CCP said when The Berlin Wall was demolished 20 years ago, media in Mainland China tried to educate people into believing that it was a mistake. However, no matter how the media attempted to influence public opinion, even the Chinese communist leaders knew in their heart that the dictatorial regime would collapse sooner or later.

Teacher Mu said (Recording): “The complaining mood among Chinese civilians is quite strong. Psychologically, we resent the present political system. For those who have independent thinking, the authorities put you in prison, or use other means to suppress you. It is an oppression of those in power. That is to say, there is something like a Berlin Wall that is suppressing people but that Wall is bound to collapse. It is not that we are overly and blindly optimistic but it could fall at any time, probably within five years, possibly even tomorrow. So I ask people, please help me to quit the CCP on the Epoch Times website.”

He said, twenty years ago, the former Soviet Union and other Eastern European countries abandoned communism and moved towards freedom and democracy, as well as prosperity.

Teacher Mu (Recording): “When the Berlin Wall was demolished, I was very excited. I thought it was huge progress for the society. It is a historical milestone, symbolizing the transition from authoritarianism to freedom, from being backward to a more advanced system for the society.

Teacher Zhang quit the CCP using the anonymous “Zheng Yi,” which means “righteousness” in Chinese. Zhang said, under the suppressive rule of the Chinese communist party, Chinese civilians are having a very difficult life. He therefore supports the Quitting the CCP movement and hopes the CCP will collapse as soon as possible

Teacher Zhang said (Recording): “The National Day celebration is a huge waste of money. It is all tax-payers’ money, right? It is a huge waste. It is not easy to browse overseas websites, as the authorities always threaten us. There is nothing we can do. We Chinese civilians are leading a difficult life. Many people are looking for jobs, and life is difficult for them. For us civilians, we only aim at having enough food to assuage hunger. When I was little, I joined the young pioneers, please help me to publish a statement to quit.”

Matthew Ytsma; Lin Li; and Yu Liang of the SOH Radio Network.

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Shen Ting, the chairperson of the Coalition of Chinese People Facing Injustice, has spoken out against possible forced relocations, after the approval of Shanghai Disneyland.

- Land seizure concerns over Shanghai’s Disneyland project

- Toxic milk scandal hearing cancelled, plaintiff detained

- Longing for the collapse of China’s Berlin Wall

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Land seizure concerns over Shanghai’s Disneyland project
(0:35)

The decision to construct a Disney-based theme park in Shanghai has been the cause for much concern for many Chinese residents. Whilst economists are worried about the impact on Hong Kong’s own Disneyland, other NGOs fear that the project would initiate a large-scale land confiscation, and have urged Disney and local authorities not to forcibly evict local residents.

The news broke on the 4th of November and triggered a frenzy of media coverage and discussion amongst the Hong Kong press. Experts were apprehensive that Shanghai Disney would cannibalize Hong Kong Disney’s business.

Assistant Professor Chen Yunzhong of the Department of Social Sciences at the Hong Kong University told SOH reporters during an interview(recording) “The original plan for Hong Kong Disney was for mainland customers to make up two third of the clientele. In reality they make up only one third. In the near future when Shanghai builds Disneyland number two, mainland customers visiting Hong Kong Disneyland would amount to less than one tenth of its current customer base!”

In Shanghai, the main topic for concern was the large-scale land confiscation that the Disney project may trigger, resulting in large numbers homeless victims. The chairperson of the NGO, “Coalition of Chinese People Facing Injustice”, Shen Ting, called for Disney not to collaborate with the Communist government to abuse human rights or engage in forced removal.

Shen said (recording) “First we need to remind Disney’s headquarters in the US not to violate local residents’ human rights and their right to habitat during the construction. They need to be vigilant. This time we will inform Disney headquarters in advance, asking them to keep an eye on the Shanghai administration to see whether there is any human rights violation during the resettlement process.”

According to reports, Shanghai Disney will be built at the Chuansha Township in the Pudong District, where 409 hectare of land has been earmarked. With total investment of 24.4 billion Yuan, Disney has targeted an opening in 2014. China holds majority stake of 57% in the project and Disney 43%. An editorial in Hong Kong’s Apple Daily pointed out that this was a political present from the Beijing authorities as U.S president Obama leaves for his China trip.

Perry Luo and Liang Zhen of the SOH Radio Network.

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Toxic milk scandal hearing cancelled, plaintiff detained
(3:50)

On November 5th, Wang Gang, a plaintiff in the lawsuit over the melamine contaminated milk scandal, was detained for two hours at the Yangfangdian Police Station in Beijing’s Haidian District. Five days before his scheduled hearing on November 10th, Wang’s home was searched, and the hearing was canceled without reason. According to Zhao Lianhai (423), a representative for parents of toxic milk victims, the police actions were carried out to ease government fear of other parents coming out to support the hearing.

Wang Gang, whose child was a victim of melamine poison milk, brought his child to hospital on November 5th, hoping to get written confirmation of poisoning. On their way home, they were stopped and searched by police, before being taken and detained at the Yangfangdian Police Station for two hours.

Wang told SOH (recording)
“They show no documentation for the search, and said nothing before they grabbed my hands and pressed me against the car. The officer was very rough, and cuffed my hands. I said ‘On what grounds are you handcuffing me? I’m not a criminal suspect. I cooperated with your search, and I carry nothing dangerous’, the cuffs were extremely tight, my hands became numb, and I can still see the imprints. I was cuffed behind the back, and while driving they braked deliberately so that I would bump into the front seat. I was held at the police station for over two hours.”

Representative Zhao Lianhai said many people intended to travel and support the hearing on Tuesday, some parents had already booked train tickets.

Zhao said (recording)
“As for the hearing being cancelled, no reason was given; they only made a phone call to say it was canceled. If they were truly just, without fear for more attention on the issue, they shouldn’t have cancelled. Meanwhile many parents feel they’ve been deceived, particularly by the court. After all it’s under government administration, and they’ve gone back on their word. The scheduled date was so easily canceled.”

Zhao Lianhai also told us that Wang Gang’s unreasonable detention, and the cancelled hearing, was an act of suppression from the authorities, fearing voices of support.

Zhao told SOH (recording)
“Speaking of his detention, the officers also searched for his identification. Yet even with his cooperation they were so rough, weren’t they using a form of suppression? We really feel there’s no way out. We’re hoping the government would have more humanity. Many parents want to show their concern, as well as others in society. We would have been in the public gallery, and if it wasn’t available, we planned to stay outside the courthouse. This has caused much fear to the authorities. ”

SOH called the Yangfangdian Police Station, but the officer who answered denied Wang was handcuffed.

The officer told us (recording)
“Usually, people brought in for questioning are not handcuffed. Aside from those involved in major criminal cases, we do not use handcuffs.”

It was revealed to the public last year that baby powder produced by the Sanlu Corporation had high amounts of melamine, which is supposed to be used in small amounts. As compensation offers from authorities were deemed inadequate, parents of poison milk victims brought civil action which was rejected by most courts. Since July this year, five parents in Beijing, filed the lawsuit to Daxing, Shunyi, Xuanwu, Xiyu as well as the Fengtai District Courts, but to date only two cases have been accepted.

Caden Pearson; Lin Li; and Si Ming of the SOH Radio Network.

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Longing for the collapse of China’s Berlin Wall
(7:54)

November 9th marked the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Walls collapse. On this special day, people in mainland China expressed their wishes to spread awareness of the Communist Regimes corruption, so that others will awaken and fearlessly break through China’s Wall of suppression.

Ms Miao from mainland China said that, many democracy fighters in China have attempted again and again to bring democracy back to China. Their efforts have lit the darkness created by China’s iron curtain, and have made many people aware. The Chinese Communist Party is struggling for it’s survival, and their power is so weak now that they need to use military force on civilians to maintain power, just like that of the corrupt Qing dynasty.

Ms Miao (recording): “Bringing down the Berlin Wall of China depends on ourselves, as we need to bring down the wall in our heart, by overcoming fear of the Communist Regime. Fighters such as Liu Xiaobo, Guo Quan, and Chen Guangcheng have upheld the torches for us, and illuminated the darkness on this side of the wall. We have all seen this clearly, and a tiny spark can ignite a fire on the prairie. We are hopeful the entire nation will awaken, and with these leaders charging forward, the masses will also follow.”

Another person from Hebei (requesting to remain anonymous) said that since Communist rule in China, too many dissidents have been incriminated for their speech. In fact, it is the corrupt officials themselves that will overthrow the Regime, they say.

Anonymous mainlander (recording): “I see people after people being arrested, and this makes me very angry. I have lost hope with this regime. Can we subvert the regime? No. It’s those corrupted officials who will topple the regime. The so called crime of subverting state power is nothing but an excuse to incriminate people based on their speech. More and more people despise and depart from the Communist regime. But if people are complacent with status quo and remain indifferent, the collapse of the Chinese Berlin Wall will be difficult.”

Anonymous mainlander (recording): “There are indeed many people who have been awakened, and many are pursuing freedom of speech, the press, and freedom of thought. There are some who were sentenced to death for what they have said. Professor Guo Quan is such an example of being incriminated for his speech. It’s great Chinese netizens are seeking press freedom and freedom of speech. But I don’t think the wall is falling presently, and if we don’t do anything about it, its collapse will be even more difficult. Therefore, we need to speak up further.”

A netizen from Sichuan said that, the invention of anti-blocking internet software made the regimes blockade fruitless. Many netizens use such software to see the world outside, and have learned many truths.

Netizen of Sichuan (recording): The Communist regime has spent so much money on the Golden Shield project, which is meaningless. The Ministry of Public Security is said to have spent billions of Chinese dollars on this, but this money all belongs to the people. Many Chinese people are still very poor, many can’t afford to go to school or even feed themselves. The money should have been spent on people, and their livelihood. The corrupt are the Communist leaders. They’ve wasted so much of the public’s money, and built a Chinese Berlin Wall. They block overseas websites, but thanks to the anti-blocking software, we are now able to obtain information from overseas. It’s wide open now, and the wall is full of holes.”

Chris Thomas, Wang Qian, and Si Ming of the SOH Radio Network.

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Detained author and democracy advocate Yang Tianshui's health is rapidly deteriorating in prison.

- Chinese writer Yang Tianshui critically ill in prison

- Collusion of Anhui officials and merchants to expropriate farmland

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Chinese writer Yang Tianshui critically ill in prison

Renowned Chinese freelance writer Yang Tianshui’s health is in a critical situation in prison. He has had a fever for one week, with a body temperature as high as 39 degrees Celsius. He has been in the prison hospital for over one month.

His family are extremely worried about his health and his older sister Yang Guixiang told a reporter on November 4 that Yang is suffering from several kinds of ailments and is very weak.

She said (recording) “He is suffering numerous kinds of diseases. He’s been having a fever for one week now. The result from the medical exam shows that it is Intestinal Tuberculosis, Tuberculosis Pneumonitis, and Tuberculosis Inflammatory Bowel Disease. He has Diabetes and high blood pressure to begin with in addition to arthritis, which is the most serious of all his ailments. During the relapse of his arthritis, he could not even close in his fingers. I am really worried that he may not be able to get through.”


His eldest sister, 71-year-old Yang Tongmei, went to visit him at Nanjing Prison on October 27. She said he was so sick that he could not even walk by himself.

(Recording): “She said, he wrote me a letter before October 27, from the hospital. He had sustained a fever, and his temperature was 39 degrees Celsius every day, for a week. His Pneumonitis got so much worse that he was suffering Pleural effusion. The doctors suctioned a lot of water from his lungs. He was extremely skinny, and could not walk by himself. A patient who is sick to this extent, you can imagine, is in a very bad shape.”

Human rights activist Zhang Lin of Anhui province told Sound of Hope reporters that according to standard practice, Mr Yang’s severe condition makes him eligible for medical parole. However, because he is a prisoner of conscience, the procedure for medical parole is very complicated and requires approval from several levels of organizations.

Mr. Zhang said (recording) “With all the delay from the complicated procedures, usually the person would die before the approval is granted. The Chinese communist regime has a policy, which is trying not to have the detainee die inside the prison. Therefore, as soon as one is found to be dying, the prison authorities will quickly start the procedure, trying to get this person out. However, due to the delays, many people still die inside the prisons. At the time they die, the procedure is still halfway through.”

Yang Tianshui’s elder sister Yang Guixiang said the prison authorities simply ignore his requests and those of his family, paying no attention to Yang’s illness. She calls on people at home and abroad to step forward for the sake of Yang’s health.

(recording): “She said, we hope you can help us appeal to international society, to pressure the Chinese government to give him freedom, and grant him medical parole so that he can receive treatment outside the prison.”
Mr. Yang has been striving for the development of China’s democratic undertaking all his life. In 2007, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the charge of subversion of state power, for the publication of one of his articles which were said to be attacking Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders and having the intention of overthrowing the CCP. Previously he has been sentenced to 12 years in prison by the communist regime.

Matthew Ytsma; Tian Xi of the SOH Radio Network

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Collusion of Anhui officials and merchants to expropriate farmland

Some farmers in Wuhu City released an online petition, accusing the local government of collusion with an influential merchant. The merchant is accused of selling over 6.6 acres of agricultural land at a low price, causing many farmers to lose their land and become unemployed. The sale was also made without proper approval to convert farmland into an entertainment venue.

On November 4th, two villagers in Shi Wei Township spoke with a reporter about the collusion between officials and developers who had seized their farmland.

One villager named Chan angrily told a reporter that he had been appealing for a solution from authorities over the years. The local Letters & Complaints Bureau not only ignored his appeal, but used threats to intimidate him so that he would not petition again.

(Recording) “I have been appealing to the authorities. In January 2009, I also applied to the Complaints Bureau in Wuhu City, without response. Without my consent, the local government sold my private land to Tengfei Jewelry Company. I had not received any kind of compensation for my private land, the ownership of which evidenced by relevant documents. It is a system to protect farmland and, apparently, our agricultural fields were expropriated. The field is established under our scientific research and was forcibly taken away, which is the collusion of official and merchant. I appealed to the Wuhu City Complaint Bureau that intimidated me, saying: “You would be arrested if you were in the Complaint Bureau”. The Deputy of Wuhu City Complaints Office also said threateningly, “You should be concerned about your petty life”. Because I was afraid, I dared not air the issue.”

Villager Chan also revealed that corruption of local authorities has become very serious since 2002 when a succession of large blocks of farmland was illegally occupied. Commoners appealed to higher authorities, but the government merely acts carries out its routines with little real interest.

(Recording) “Farmland in our region had all been seized for development with only ours remaining. Local residents claimed corruption in the construction industry, occupying land, profiteering, and ignoring the lives of commoners. We report the problems, but government acts casually, and passes the buck. So far, our problem remains unsolved. There are even bigger sinister forces behind the scene. (Our appeal) goes nowhere.”

A villager named Wang said that his agricultural field was seized, and he has been appealing to relevant departments for 7 to 8 years while each government department acts irresponsibly, kicking the case back and forth.

(Recording) “This issue remains stagnant. City government asked township authorities to settle, but the problem still remains. We have nowhere left to appeal. Now, 7 to 8 years have passed since 2002 when it occurred. We report to the provincial government that requested city authority to resolve the matter, and then city government passed it to the township authority. The Complaints Bureau failed to respond, and had to appeal to the provincial government. Several years have gone by while authorities toss the case about.”

When a reporter interviewed a villager named Wang, he was very happy. He says that no domestic media dared to report on their problem.

Afterward, the reporter called the deputy director of the Complaints Bureau in Wuhu City, and the Director said that he was in a meeting and cannot answer reporters’ questions.

Donna Ware; Han Fei of the SOH Radio Network.

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