Ask Onix
Chinese authorities detain investigative journalists
Rights organizations report the arrest of two Chinese journalists, Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao, following their investigation into alleged corruption by a senior official in Sichuan province. The detentions occurred on Sunday, sparking international concern over press freedom in China.
Background of the detained journalists
Liu Hu, a well-known investigative reporter, has a history of clashing with authorities. In 2013, he was arrested on defamation charges after accusing a high-ranking official of corruption. Released in 2014, Liu continued his work, publishing reports on social media platforms. Wu Yingjiao, aged 34, frequently collaborated with Liu on a public WeChat account that shared investigative articles.
Police statement and charges
Chengdu police announced on Monday that two men, identified by their surnames Liu (50) and Wu (34), are under investigation for "making false accusations" and "illegal business operations." The police did not provide further details about the allegations.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated on Wednesday that the case was being handled according to the law, emphasizing that "everyone is equal before the law" in China.
Rights groups raise alarm
According to Chinese Human Rights Defenders, Liu was planning to travel from Chongqing to Beijing on Sunday when he disappeared. Wu was taken into custody the same day in Hebei province. The group claims the pair's recent report exposed corruption by a county official, leading to business bankruptcies.
Their investigative report, which is no longer available on WeChat, allegedly detailed financial misconduct by the official.
International reaction
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that Liu had received messages from a Chengdu disciplinary inspection official urging him to contact authorities instead of publishing his findings. RSF's advocacy manager, Aleksandra Bielakowska, condemned the arrests, stating that they underscore China's "restrictive and hostile" environment for independent journalism.
"This arrest highlights just how restrictive and hostile China has become toward independent reporting. We call on the international community to intensify pressure on the Chinese regime, rather than pursue a normalisation of relations that only enables further repression."
Aleksandra Bielakowska, RSF Advocacy Manager
Broader context of press freedom in China
China remains one of the world's most repressive environments for journalists, with over 120 currently detained, according to RSF. The organization has labeled China "the world's biggest jailer of journalists," citing systematic crackdowns on media freedom.
