Beijing, China – The All-China Journalists Association, a group supported by the Communist party, has issued a rare criticism against authorities for hindering journalists’ work following a deadly explosion in Hebei province.
The association emphasized the importance of journalists’ right to conduct legitimate interviews, condemning the blocking of state media reporters from covering the explosion incident. The blast, caused by a suspected gas leak in a restaurant, resulted in two fatalities and 26 injuries.
Videos depicting journalists being obstructed by police from reporting at the explosion scene sparked a debate on social media in China. Some argued that the reporters were moved for their safety, while others supported the journalists’ right to report on such events.
While China’s constitution guarantees press freedom, in reality, state media is heavily controlled, and journalists often face harassment, both physically and otherwise. Reporters Without Borders ranks China as the second-worst country in the world for press freedom, with only North Korea scoring worse.
Analysts noted the unusual language used in the Association’s statement, highlighting the significance of upholding journalists’ right to report and the value of providing accurate information to the public. This stance is seen as a departure from the usual suppression of journalistic freedoms under President Xi Jinping’s rule.
While the ACJA’s statement was later removed from their website, it continued to circulate on WeChat, drawing support from many on Chinese social media who believe in protecting journalists’ rights to report without obstruction. Some commentators questioned why the Association had not spoken out in defense of other journalists facing similar challenges.
The incident at Hebei province has reignited discussions about the state of press freedom in China and the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on sensitive issues. The confrontation between state media reporters and authorities reflects the ongoing struggles for journalistic independence in a tightly controlled media environment.