Satiric SMS or libel? Writing political poetry in Chongqing

A man from Chongqing (China) is facing three years in prison for writing a satirical poem and sending it to friends via SMS and I.M., according to Danwei.

"In mid-August, reports Southern Weekly, Qin Zhongfei wrote a few lines of poetry satirizing local leaders and a few public works boondoggles. Thinking it fairly amusing, Qin sent it off to "10-15 friends" via SMS and another "4-6 friends" via QQ instant message service. He was arrested for his troubles, since officials felt that the poem could cause social unrest and might harm business for Pengshui if too many people got wind of it.

... If the charges are upheld, Qin Zhongfei may face a sentence of up to 3 years." [via Smart Mobs

emily | 9:00 AM | SMS and Politics |
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/textually/archives/2006/10/013929.htm