Journalists earn hush money from mine accidents

Two fatal accidents at coalmines in Ruzhou, Henan Province have created a minor storm after it was revealed that the local government had bribed journalists to keep quiet, reports Interfax China.

"Some of the people receiving pay-offs, according to a report originally published in the Henan Commercial News, were not even genuine reporters.

A coalmine flood took place in Ruzhou on July 31, and while the authorities attempted to keep a lid on the accident, information quickly seeped out through mobile phone SMS. Within a fortnight, a large number of journalists had rushed into the area. A local official surnamed Yang said that 480 reporters received RMB 200,000 (USD 24,660) in hush money."

emily | 5:16 PM | SMS and Politics |
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