Nobel Laureate Mo Yan Faces Nationalist Lawsuit in China

The lawsuit accuses Mo Yan of insulting China's heroes and martyrs, reflecting a broader debate on nationalism under Xi Jinping's leadership.

Mo Yan, China's first Nobel Prize for Literature winner, is sued by patriotic blogger Wu Wanzheng for allegedly insulting the Communist Party and national heroes.
The lawsuit demands Mo apologize and pay damages of 1.5 billion yuan, reflecting growing nationalist sentiment and crackdown on dissent in China.
State-run Global Times indirectly signals government support for Mo Yan, amidst divided public opinion and criticism of the lawsuit's motives.
The legal action against Mo Yan highlights the increasing use of patriotism in lawsuits, raising concerns about artistic freedom and censorship.
Experts warn of a chilling effect on free speech, as nationalist attacks target individuals diverging from mainstream ideologies.