Changsha Authorities Are Misusing a Law on Damaging a Business’s Reputation
October 28, 2013
By Caixin Staff Reporter Ren Zhongyuan. This article was first published by Caixin.
The arrest of a journalist for allegedly damaging the reputation of an equipment manufacturer has spurred debate in both the media and legal circles. The discussions revolve around the rights of the press, interpretation of the law, and possible abuse of power by the police.
The Criminal Law indeed includes a clause on “fabricating stories and spreading them to damage another person’s business reputation.” The clause became law in 1997 and is punishable by up to two years in prison and fines.