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Chinese Authorities Harass Journalists Reporting on Deadly Explosion

In a rare move, the city of Sanhe apologizes for the harassment of state media reporters covering a gas explosion that killed seven.

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FILE - Firefighters work the scene of an explosion in Sanhe city in northern China's Hebei province on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. The city of Sanhe, near Beijing, issued a public apology Thursday, March 14, after authorities were shown harassing reporters from state broadcaster CCTV during a live broadcast near the site of a suspected gas leak explosion that killed several and injured more than 20 on Wednesday.
Chinese police officers prepare to push journalists away from the scene of an explosion in Sanhe city, northern China on March 13, 2024.
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Overview

  • A suspected gas explosion in Sanhe, China, killed seven and injured 27, prompting state TV journalists to report from the scene.
  • Chinese authorities manhandled journalists from state media, including CCTV, during live broadcasts, obstructing their reporting.
  • The city of Sanhe issued a rare public apology for the harassment, citing poor communication skills of front-line staff as the cause.
  • The All-China Journalists Association defended journalists' rights to report from disaster sites, highlighting the public's right to know.
  • The incident sparked a debate on press freedom in China, with social media and commentators supporting the journalists' rights.