The Sun Zhigang Case

The bottom strata of the Chinese populace lack the means to protect themselves. No matter how absurd the policies made by those in power are, they can be smoothly implemented. Only when lives are lost might a sliver of public opinion surface. The rulers never truly concern themselves with the lives of the common people; their policies are devised solely for their own interests and convenience. Subordinates, under the tyranny of the rulers, become accomplices, and the oppression of the weak becomes a habit. When tragedies occur, they use their power to cover them up.

In recent years, there have been online personalities stating that China lacks a news industry. For related links, please read Zhang Xuefeng’s Comments On Professional Journalism In Chinese Universities. Indeed, pressured by the higher-ups, there are fewer and fewer journalists with conscience and courage who are willing to expose the truth about society. Countless ordinary people are simply struggling to pay off mortgages and car loans each month, expending all their energy. All media industries are now under government control, resembling more and more the dark society depicted in the book '1984'. However, several decades ago, especially in mainland China and the southern regions, there were some conscientious media outlets that dared to fight against the darkness.

The story I am about to tell is what they reported.

In 2003, a graduate from Wuhan University of Science and Technology went to an internet café after work.

This was as routine an activity as any, but because he lacked a temporary residence permit, he was taken to a police station.

Three days later, he mysteriously died in a hospital, covered in injuries.

His death brought the absurd detention system into the public spotlight...

This is the Sun Zhigang case that changed China's judiciary.