After writing more than a dozen articles criticizing the finance of a major state-owned construction equipment-maker, journalist Chen Yongzhou was arrested (accused of defamation). Though not a 300 page PowerPoint presentation, Chen's arrest, which coincides with new curbs on journalists, lawyers and internet users in China, throws into question the role of whistleblowers even as the country's leadership moves to eradicate graft. Of course, as Reuters reports [6], no police comment was made but the company added, "we did it to safeguard the legitimate rights of the company," after Chen (ironically) reported that Changsha-based Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd. engaged in sales fraud, exaggerated its profits and used public relations to defame its competitors, accusations strongly denied by the company. Media experts said the commentary was unusual but not highly controversial, though it definitely makes one wonder how soon "negativity" will be clamped down in the US.
Via Reuters, [6]
A Chinese newspaper pleaded with police on Wednesday to release an investigative reporter accused of defamation in an unusual public rebuke amid a wider government crackdown on freedom of expression.
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Chen was detained after writing more than a dozen stories criticizing the finances of a major state-owned construction equipment maker.
Chen's arrest, which coincides with new curbs on journalists, lawyers and internet users in China, throws into question the role of whistleblowers as the country's leadership moves to eradicate graft.
"When the government is cracking down on freedom of expression and arresting journalists ... it seems to cast serious doubt on how serious this anti-corruption drive is," said Maya Wang of Human Rights Watch.
Chen reported that Changsha-based Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co. Ltd. engaged in sales fraud, exaggerated its profits and used public relations to defame its competitors, accusations strongly denied by the company.
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"The reason we did it was to safeguard the legitimate rights of the company," Zoomlion vice president Sun Changjun told Reuters, declining further comment.
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"Even though Zoomlion is very strong and pays a lot of taxes in Changsha, we are still of the same class," the commentary said. "Uncle police, big brother Zoomlion, we beg you, please let Chen Yongzhou go."
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In a July statement on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Zoomlion said it had been under an "all-round malicious attack by its competitor" since the fourth quarter of 2012. It insisted there was nothing wrong with its books.
Analysts said the decision to detain a journalist, though not uncommon, is not made lightly.
"Zoomlion is a company that must have a strong and close relationship with authorities in Hunan," said Jin Zhong, publisher of Hong Kong-based Open Magazine.
The fierce competition between Sany and Zoomlion amid a slowdown in the construction equipment market has sometimes turned ugly, with each company saying the other engaged in corporate spying.