I just read an article that I though was very interesting about China freeing a reporter that they had put in jail. Ching Cheong was charged with spying for Taiwan and was sentenced to 5 years in jail on espionage charges. But he was released on Monday, which was 3 years early.
Nicholas Bequelin, a Hong Kong based researcher for Human Rights Watch, said that “His arrest was unjustified”. Apparently China has “a history of applying vague espionage and sedition charges against free-speech advocates and journalists with view it does not like”. Can you imagine that? Being put in prison for your ideas? I can’t. The only thing that Cheong seems to have done wrong is that he advocated improved ties between China and Taiwan. But because the the have been enemies since splitting in 1949 during a civil war, this is apparently a big deal for them.
I think that a lot of times Americans take what they have for granted. For example, I can’t really even imagine what it would be like to be put in prison for my beliefs, but I also never think about the fact the I can express my ideas without getting put in jail. Overall I just thought that it was very interesting that the Chinese government could just put people in jail and take them back out when it was beneficial for them.
China Frees Jailed Reporter
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Do not (Do you mean NOT) collect? Get out of jail free? Did he get out free after he had spent 2 years in jail? I wouldn't call that free. Somebody owes him 2 years. What do you mean "beneficial for them"? Are you referring to the Olympic Games?
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