|TOP|Freedom House expressed "serious concern" over China's shut down of a newspaper supplement which ran articles on sensitive social and political issues.
"The Chinese government's closure of Freezing Point is the most recent illustration of the commitment by the Chinese Communist Party to smother free expression," said Jennifer Windsor, executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, in a statement yesterday.
The 11-year-old Bing Dian (Freezing Point), a four-page weekly supplement of the state-run China Youth Daily, was closed late Tuesday until "improvements" were made, said a staff member at Bing Dian, according to the Associated Press.
|AD|While staff at Bing Dian expressed bewilderment with the shut down, the measure by the Chinese government to suppress the media and the freedom of expression is not new.
Last year, 79 newspapers were banned as they were deemed illegal. And less than a month ago, authorities fired the editor of Beijing News, which is also known for reporting on sensitive subjects.
Recently, a virtual tool – the "Shenzhen Internet Police" – was launched to tighten control on "sensitive" internet content. The crackdown on internet information also applies to persecution news or other religious news criticising the government.
China was ranked as "Not Free" in Freedom House's annual survey – Freedom in the World – on civil liberties and political rights, which was released in December.
Lillian Kwon
Christian Today Correspondent
-
From Tyndale to today: The enduring hunger for the Bible
-
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
-
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
-
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs
-
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
-
The book that changed Sweden: 500 years of the Swedish New Testament
Most Popular
related articles
Hong Kong Bishop: Communist Party No Longer Controls China's Catholics
Hong Kong Bishop: Communist Party No Longer Controls China's Catholics
China Gov't Intensifies Crackdown on Beijing House Churches after Christmas
China Gov't Intensifies Crackdown on Beijing House Churches after Christmas
China Recruits Virtual Police to Regulate Internet Usage
China Recruits Virtual Police to Regulate Internet Usage
Chinese New Year Celebrations Take Place Across the World
Chinese New Year Celebrations Take Place Across the World
News
Televangelist Jim Bakker dies at 86
Jim Bakker, the controversial televangelist who once owned one of the most popular theme parks in the United States but later went to prison for his financial misconduct, has died at age 86.
Christian faith seen as ‘significantly more relevant’ to young people than church, new report finds
The Christian faith is perceived as “significantly more relevant to children” and young people than the church itself, according to new research which calls on churches to rethink how they engage the next generation.
Winnie-the-Pooh centenary marked with new Christian reflection resources for schools
Church schools are being invited to explore Christian values through the much-loved stories of Winnie-the-Pooh as part of new resources produced to mark the character’s 100th anniversary.
UK ranks seventh globally for daily Bible App use as searches for anxiety and hope rise
The UK has ranked seventh in the world for daily Bible App engagement, as new figures from YouVersion suggest growing numbers of people are turning to Scripture for reassurance, guidance and spiritual support.
