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back to article China tosses New York Times into shredder in family fortunes row

China’s censors have blocked the New York Times website after the paper ran a story alleging relatives of outgoing prime minister Wen Jiabao amassed a $2.7bn fortune. The article, which became unavailable in the country just hours after publication, claimed members of Wen's family benefited from regulatory and government …

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  1. Soruk
    FAIL

    List of banned words?

    Error 404.

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    1. Soruk
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      Re: List of banned words?

      Never mind, link fixed now.

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  2. Dave 15

    their lawyers...

    mmm, how many 'poor' can afford their own set of lawyers... think they've just proved the story beyond reasonable (any) doubt.

    But then is there any real difference between China and Russia, Europe, UK and USA? ALL of those in power in ALL of these countries seem to manage to end their 'term in office' somewhat better off than just their salary would suggest - and so do a surprisingly large number of their family and friends.

    Indeed the UK politicians still stick their hands deep into the cookie jar at every available chance - cross renting properties between them so they can get better 'expenses' and of course (quite within the rules) buying 'do it uppers' and having it done up at the tax payers expense before declaring it as their main residence and selling up (the main residence is to avoid paying any tax on the profit).

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    1. Dave 15
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      Re: their lawyers...

      Oh and don't forget the UK politicians are refusing to allow their 'expenses' to be 'published' so that the story can't get out (and damage security - ha ha)

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    2. Bumpy Cat
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      Re: their lawyers...

      In the reasonably democratic West, you can get rid of a corrupt politician with exposure, either by ballot or law, or even just getting the relevant political party to dump them. None of those are an option in China or Russia.

      At least in the UK corruption is regarded as so bad, so shameful, that things can and do happen to corrupt politicians. In places like China and Russia, with a state-controlled press and a single dominant party, corruption is able to take seed and grow to the point where everyone in government is on the take.

      So, it's important to know the value of our free press and democratic elections. They're not perfect, but they're a damn sight better than most of the world.

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  3. Tony Paulazzo

    >China’s censors have blocked the New York Times website after the paper ran a story alleging relatives of outgoing prime minister Wen Jiabao amassed a $2.7bn fortune.

    They deny the allegations.

    discussion of Wen on social networks is being curtailed by the nation's microblogging platforms, thanks to censorship of certain keywords.<

    Nothing to hide, nothing to fear my shiny metal ass.

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