Chinese Woman Jailed Over Twitter Post         
Agence France-Presse           November 19, 2010 http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Chinese+woman+jailed+over+Twitter+post/3854406/story.html

My first thought when I read this article was “is this for real?” It seems so absurd to be sent to jail for merely retweeting a post “mocking Chinese anti-Japanese protesters” that was previously posted by your fiancé. To be sent to a labour camp without trial is simply unfair. I understand that social networks like Facebook and Twitter have been banned in China, but to be convicted of “disturbing social order” is just crazy! Her fiancé, Hua Chunhui, first tweeted about the anti-protesters in early October and had his heart set to propose to Cheng Jianping on October 28^th, 2010. But now because of Jianping’s conviction, his plans have been put on hold. Chunhui does not agree with her punishment and has been quoted by saying “we only tweeted one sentence and it’s satirical.” I also do not agree with Jianping’s infliction, but for her to stop eating is just weird. It is a serious action totally irrelevant to her situation and it didn’t need to be taken that far. Officials at the camp Cheng was sent to are unaware if “Cheng has started eating again.” I think the Chinese government should listen to Amnesty International and release Jianping. According to me, China needs to get their priorities in order and be less hypocritical. Sending someone to jail over a twitter post while awarding someone the Nobel Peace Prize while they are still in jail? Honestly, it just doesn’t make sense to me.     

Cheng Jianping

 

http://www.japanprobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/labor-camps-200x200.jpg