JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 30, 2024 at 01:13 pm | CPJ News Alert
Join our WhatsApp channel
TAIPEI—Beijing authorities shut down independent journalist Gao Yu's internet, landline, and cellular connection on August 26, after she published a Sunday article analyzing an Al Jazeera interview with Victor Gao, vice president of the Chinese think tank Center for China and Globalization.
Chinese authorities must restore journalist Gao Yu's internet connection and phone services and stop harassing her with physical and digital surveillance," said Iris Hsu, CPJ's China representative. "Beijing’s excessive need to control dissent is a reflection of its cowardice and fear of critical reporting."
Authorities have asked Gao to shut down her account on the social platform X for years, she told CPJ, adding that she believes that her posts, including ones sharing her articles, are the reason for turning off her internet and phone access. Gao told CPJ that she must go to a friend's house or a restaurant to access the internet.
Beijing police also asked Gao to leave the capital from August 29 to September 9 while the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, a state-level economic conference between African countries and China, took place. Gao said that after she refused, the police told her that they would take turns guarding her house to ensure she wouldn't leave. This is a common practice against dissidents in China.
CPJ's email requesting comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a message sent via the webpage after office hours to the Government of Beijing Municipality did not immediately receive any responses.
Authorities sentenced Gao to six years in 1994 for "leaking state secrets." She was released in 1999 on medical parole after serving part of the sentence. Gao was sentenced to seven years in 2015 on the same charge. The sentence was later reduced to five years, which Gao served outside of prison due to her deteriorating health.
Photo: Reuters
December 23, 2024: Indian journalist Anand Mangnale faces an online smear campaign initiated by BJP's Nishikant Dubey. Allegations against him include foreign funding ties and misleading reports. CPJ condemns the attack on press freedom.
December 22, 2024: Learn how Malaysian journalists drew lessons from Indonesia’s innovative media practices during the IFJ Malaysia-Indonesia Solidarity Mission, emphasizing the need for progressive media reform and sustainability.
December 05, 2024: Over 50 journalists protested in Kuala Lumpur against proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, which threaten press freedom. IFJ and NUJM urge the government to withdraw the bill and engage in stakeholder consultation.
November 21, 2024: Pakistan pledges enhanced digital access, economic opportunities, and gender-responsive policies for women at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review in Bangkok.
November 21, 2024: Investigative journalist Rana Ayyub received over 200 threats after her phone number was leaked on social media by a right-wing content creator. IFJ and IJU demand Maharashtra authorities take immediate action against those responsible for this targeted online harassment.
November 11, 2024: Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, detained in the Philippines on controversial charges of illegal firearm possession and terrorism financing, testified on November 11. IFJ and NUJP call for her immediate release, condemning the misuse of anti-terror laws against journalists and activists.
October 26, 2024: Explore the dynamic growth of emerging media markets in South Asia, examining the opportunities, challenges, and future trends reshaping journalism and digital media in the region. Learn about the rise of new platforms, investment potential, and the digital shift fueling change in countries like Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
October 09, 2024: The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul on bail after over two years of arbitrary detention. CPJ urges Jammu and Kashmir authorities to end the prosecution of Gul and allow media freedom in the region.
January 20, 2025 Pakistan at the Crossroads of Glory and Expectation! As hosts and defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy, the team stands poised for greatness. Can they turn the weight of national hope into victory? Read our in-depth analysis!
January 18, 2025 A CPJ report reveals that 361 journalists were jailed globally in 2024, with China, Israel, and Myanmar leading. The alarming trend highlights threats to press freedom and rising authoritarian repression worldwide.
January 17, 2025 In an unprecedented breach of judicial protocol, Pakistani journalists accurately revealed Imran Khan's 14-year sentence in the Al-Qadir case on social media 24 hours before the official verdict, raising serious questions about court independence
January 17, 2025 Geo News faces backlash for insensitive coverage of Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing, airing Bollywood song clips before announcing the tragic news
January 17, 2025 An in-depth analysis of ARY News' false reporting on Imran Khan's verdict and the broader crisis of unverified news in Pakistani electronic media, exploring solutions for responsible journalism.