China jails another reporter
Monday, August 21, 2006 Washington Post: The Chinese government isn't even pretending that Hong Kong journalist Ching Cheong is getting a fair, impartial trial. The reporter for the Singapore-based Strait Times went on trial last week for allegedly spying for Taiwan. While he hasn't yet been convicted, the embassy here in Washington is already making clear that his guilt is a foregone conclusion. Asked about the case, a spokesman said flatly, "He committed the crime of spying for Taiwan." What was the nature of the evidence against him? "I don't have any specific information about that." Indeed, other than the vague promise that Mr. Ching has confessed, the government has released no evidence. And don't expect any to come out from the trial either. The one-day trial was conducted in secret. We'll eat this editorial if there is any credible evidence that Mr. Ching is a spy — rather than a journalist. The Chinese government is engaged in a major crackdown on reporters, currently holding at least 32 of them.