Hong Kong: Chinese Communists Blamed for Swine Flu Censorship

In most parts of the world news about the imminent threat presented by the deadly swine flu are widespreadexcept for Hong Kong that is. International journalists are accusing communist Chinese authorities of blocking news about the epidemic, just like they did in 2003 when news of SARS first broke. Our Hong Kong bureau has more.
The recent actions of Hong Kong authorities to cover up news of the deadly swine flu epidemic, have outraged journalist groups such as the International Reporters Association.

Liyun Hu is the project organizer at the association, and says the ruling Chinese Communist Party is restricting any media that report on the H1N1 swine flu epidemic. Frustrated, she criticizes authorities for stopping people from knowing important news sooner.

[Liyun Hu, International Reporters Association]: (quote1, female):
"I totally disagree with authorities excuse that releasing the news would bring chaos to society. The real problem they have is when the news goes, the public will know the frank and honest details of whats happening. "

The cover-up is a stark reminder of the Communist Partys handling of the SARS epidemic, which resulted in dozens of deaths back in 2003

[Liyun Hu, International Reporters Association]: (quote2, female):
"In 2003 when SARS came, it was just because the government released the news very late and hid the information, SARS spread everywhere, many people died of it. At the same time there were many incidents, such as unnecessary panic or rushing to do the shopping, so I hope that the Chinese authorities will draw a lesson from this."

She also points out that the Chinese communists have even taken action against online media since the 5th of January, because 2009 was expected to be a sensitive political year.

[Liyun Hu, International Reporters Association]: (quote3, female):
"There are the many Internet users in China and the whole world, so the coverage of the information released from a website could be very broad, detailed, and quick. When the information spreads very quickly, the Chinese communists worry that it might bring some social instability."

The dispute continues.

NTD, Hong Kong.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• ntd
• Swine flu
• China
• Pandemic
• Virus
• WHO
• Disease
• Mexico
• CCP
• Hong Kong
• Censorship
• H1N1

[redevilknight]

Fail

[laowai121]

what da fuck are you an idiot or something? god damn I know why people hate China so much cuz they are all dumb ass. the same thing I head before was america created SARS and the Chinese government assembled scientists to test if the virus was man made. LOL however I don't believe it. but you did... what a flying stupid fuck.

[laowai121]

what the fuck does it have to do with communists? idiot