Chinese Elders Demand Free Speech

Calling for an end to restrictions on expressions in China, twenty-three retired Communist party elders have published an open letter demanding free speech to its people. Their letter states,"we would ask, what right does the Central Propaganda Department have to muzzle the speech of the Premier? What right does it have to rob the people of our nation of their right to know what the Premier has said?" The letter contains the following demands:

1) Allow publishing institutions to independently operate

2) Immediately put a stop to local government and police interference with journalists

3) Abolish restrictions on investigative reporting

4) Internet regulatory bodies must not arbitrarily delete online posts and comments — online spies must be abolished

5) Errors made by ruling party must be allowed to be reported

6) Independent newspapers and periodicals be allowed on a pilot basis

7) Free circulation of books and periodicals be allowed

8) Transform propaganda organs from suppressing news to agencies that encourage unimpeded flow of information

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