Jailed and refused bail, Chinese investigative journalist detained after exposing high profile corruption scandal
Liu Wei detained on October 8, after series of articles exposing corruption of a high-profile qigong master, celebrities and party officials; news of detention censored on digital platforms but spread by journalists on social media
The detention of respected investigative reporter Liu Wei on suspicion of allegedly illegally obtaining state secrets has sparked concerns among mainland journalists over their work responsibilities and safety.
Liu, 37, deputy director of the Guangdong-based , was detained by police in the city of Pingxiang, in Jiangxi province, on October 8, his newspaper confirmed on Friday night. He reportedly "disappeared" at Chengdu airport, in Sichuan province.
His newspaper said on Friday that it had contacted Jiangxi police on October 9 to insist Liu had always carried out his normal duties, but a request for him to be bailed was refused.
Qiao Mu, dean of Beijing Foreign Studies University's Centre of International Communication Studies, said he feared the detention of journalists could become a widespread crackdown, similar to the recent detentions of numerous lawyers.
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"Both media professionals and academia are shocked," Qiao said. "It is a sign of further limits on reporting and citizens' rights to know such information."
