Is this what Chinese call “freedom to speak”?

Published March 3, 2011
A paramilitary policeman stands guard at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
A paramilitary policeman stands guard at the Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Policewomen ride motorised vehicles at Tiananmen Square.
Policewomen ride motorised vehicles at Tiananmen Square.
A toy soldier attached with a Chinese flag is seen at the Forbidden City.
A toy soldier attached with a Chinese flag is seen at the Forbidden City.
A policeman patrols at the Forbidden City.
A policeman patrols at the Forbidden City.
A military band member performs at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
A military band member performs at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
A hotel guide holds a sign at the Great Hall of the People.
A hotel guide holds a sign at the Great Hall of the People.
Paramilitary policemen patrol around the Forbidden City.
Paramilitary policemen patrol around the Forbidden City.
Policemen walk with their dogs at the Tiananmen Square.
Policemen walk with their dogs at the Tiananmen Square.

Chinese police threatened to revoke the visas of dozens of foreign journalists if they continue “illegal” reporting from sites where overseas websites have called for anti-government demonstrations. Some Chinese language websites are calling for more protests this Sunday, and for people to shout: “We want to eat, we want work, we want housing”.

Police have rounded up dozens of dissidents since online messages from abroad urged pro-democracy gatherings inspired by the “Jasmine Revolution” in Tunisia.

Some foreign reporters were also harassed or beaten up by police or plainclothes security last Sunday in Beijing's Wangfujing shopping street, one of the designated protest sites. Police are now telling foreign reporters they might lose their government-issued journalist cards and residence visas if they continue to report from certain bustling parts of central Beijing without getting permission three working days in advance. Police smothered the area and no demonstration happened. – Photos by Reuters.

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