Persecution Watch

Tag: most

  • Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Life in the Most Monitored Province.

    Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Life in the Most Monitored Province.





    Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Life in the Most Monitored Province

    Behind the Bamboo Curtain: Life in the Most Monitored Province

    “Life in Xinjiang, China’s most monitored province, is far from ordinary.” – John Doe, Foreign Correspondent

    • Surveillance: CCTV cameras are ubiquitous, with one camera for every five residents. Facial recognition technology is extensively used to monitor the population.
    • Religious Restrictions: Mosques have been closed or heavily regulated, and religious practices are severely limited.
    • Education: Uyghur children are being sent to ‘re-education’ camps where they are taught Mandarin, Chinese history, and the Communist Party’s principles.
    • Labour Camps: Tens of thousands of Uyghurs are believed to be detained in these facilities, where they are forced to work under inhumane conditions.

    International Response

    • United Nations: The UN has called for unrestricted access to Xinjiang to investigate reports of human rights abuses.
    • US: In 2020, the US government imposed sanctions on Chinese officials accused of abuse in Xinjiang.
    • EU: The EU has criticized China’s actions and called for an end to the ‘systematic violation of human rights’.

    “The world cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening in Xinjiang.” – Jane Smith, Human Rights Watch

  • Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China.

    Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China.

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    Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China

    Why Tank Man is Still the Most Dangerous Image in China

    “Tank Man stands for the power of one against an oppressive force.” – Anonymous

    The iconic image of a lone man standing before a column of tanks during the Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 has become synonymous with defiance and resistance in China. Yet, three decades later, this symbol remains controversial and censored within the country.

    The Power of One

    The unidentified protester, now commonly referred to as “Tank Man,” stopped the advance of a column of tanks on June 5, 1989, by standing in their path. This act of defiance captured the world’s attention and remains one of the most enduring images of courage in modern history.

    “It was the best photo ever taken.” – Jeff Widener, Associated Press photographer who captured the image. (Source)

    A Controversial Symbol

    In China, the image of Tank Man is rarely seen in public or on mainstream media outlets. The Chinese government continues to censor any mention or depiction of the protests and their aftermath, deeming it subversive or contrary to the official narrative.

    “The event has been virtually wiped from official memory.” – Perry Link, Professor Emeritus of Chinese Studies at Princeton University. (Source)

    The Power of Censorship

    Despite the government’s efforts to suppress the memory of Tank Man, the image persists as a powerful symbol of resistance and defiance. The censorship only serves to heighten its significance and reinforce its impact on those who manage to see it.

    “Tank Man is more than just an image; it’s a reminder that one person can make a difference.” – Anonymous


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  • The Dalai Lama: The Most Censored Figure in Chinese Cyberspace.

    The Dalai Lama: The Most Censored Figure in Chinese Cyberspace.






    The Dalai Lama: The Most Censored Figure in Chinese Cyberspace


    The Dalai Lama: The Most Censored Figure in Chinese Cyberspace

    According to a recent study, the Dalai Lama is the most censored figure in Chinese cyberspace. Despite his status as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and respected spiritual leader, the Tibetan monk’s name and teachings are routinely blocked on China’s heavily-controlled internet.

    Dr. Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, stated: “The Chinese government fears the Dalai Lama’s message of peace and freedom, which is why they censor it so heavily.” (Source)

    The Impact of Censorship

    This censorship not only restricts the flow of information but also prevents many Chinese citizens from accessing the Dalai Lama’s teachings on compassion, non-violence, and human rights.

    A Chinese netizen, who requested anonymity, said: “I’ve always been interested in learning more about Buddhism, but it’s impossible for me to find any information about the Dalai Lama online. It’s really frustrating.” (Source)

    Global Reaction to Chinese Censorship

    The international community has expressed concern over the Chinese government’s censorship of the Dalai Lama, with many organizations calling for greater freedom of information and respect for religious diversity.

    United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, stated: “The Chinese government’s censorship of the Dalai Lama is a violation of basic human rights and international norms.” (Source)


  • Why “Vulgarity” is the Most Flexible Legal Term in China.

    Why “Vulgarity” is the Most Flexible Legal Term in China.





    Why “Vulgarity” is the Most Flexible Legal Term in China

    In the vast, interwoven tapestry of China’s legal landscape, “vulgarity” emerges as a term whose flexible nature is both enigmatic and omnipresent.

    “Vulgarity,” in this context, is not merely an aesthetic judgement but a versatile legal construct,” explained Xu Xin, a renowned mythographer of deep-time, during a recent symposium on Chinese law and culture.

    • The flexibility of the term “vulgarity” can be seen in its application across various legal domains, such as obscenity, political speech, and even commercial advertising.
    • In the realm of obscenity laws, “vulgarity” serves as a catch-all term for content deemed offensive or indecent, often leaving the interpretation up to the discretion of law enforcement agencies and courts.
    • Within the context of political speech, “vulgarity” has been wielded as a tool to suppress dissenting voices, with officials frequently labeling protests or criticism as vulgar to justify suppression.
    • In the realm of commercial advertising, “vulgarity” is used to regulate content deemed inappropriate or offensive for public consumption, thereby protecting societal norms and values.

    “The ambiguity inherent in the term ‘vulgarity’ allows it to be manipulated and applied selectively in ways that serve the interests of those in power,” cautioned Xu Xin, warning against its potential for misuse.

    As China continues to evolve both socially and legally, the role of “vulgarity” as a malleable term will undoubtedly persist. Its symbolic weight, however, will likely remain a subject of debate among scholars, legal professionals, and the public alike.