Two journalists in Sichuan province have been released on bail after accusing a local Communist Party official of corruption. Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao were detained on suspicion of making false accusations and conducting illegal business operations. The case raises concerns about abuse of power and the shrinking space for media oversight and public expression.
On February 2, veteran investigative reporter Liu Hu, 50, and his colleague Wu Yingjiao, 34, were taken into custody by police in Chengdu’s Jinjiang district on suspicion of “making false accusations” and conducting “illegal business operations.” In an article posted last month that has since been taken down, the two cited a source alleging that Pu Fayou, party secretary of Pujiang county overseen by Chengdu, had abused his authority to suppress private enterprises. The article also stated that other county officials had been involved in corruption.
The case occurred in Sichuan province. South China Morning Post reports it raises fresh concerns about abuse of power and the shrinking space for media oversight and public expression. Keywords include Wu Yingjiao, Pujiang, Pu Fayou, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, Reporters Without Borders, Liu Hu, Communist Party, Jinjiang.
Liu Hu, as a veteran reporter, has previously faced pressure for investigative work. Reporters Without Borders is mentioned in keywords, but the article provides no further details. The two journalists have now been released on bail, though case details remain pending further disclosure.
