The
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is deeply concerned by the reluctance
of China’s government to
release information regarding recent attacks in the city of Kashi, in the country’s
western Xinjiang province.
According to
official local news reports, on February 28, 13 people were killed by nine attackers
armed with knives. Seven of the nine suspects were gunned down by police at the
scene, with two others arrested in the city soon afterwards.
However,
further information on the attacks has yet to be released by the local
government, with only selected media outlets allowed to enter into the city to
report on the story.
According to
the Article 6, 9 (1) and 10 of China’s Disclosure of Government
Information Regulations, administrative departments have a duty to
release information promptly after incidents of public great concern.
Although IFJ
appreciates the government’s duty and intention to protect the safety of its
people, we believe this can best be done by keeping the public properly
informed of incidents related to their safety and security. This cannot be done
when official information is provided in a manner that is inconsistent or
superficial.
“Article 35
of Chinese Constitution’s enshrines press freedom. However, the paucity of
official information of serious incidents such as the attacks in Kashi, when
coupled with restrictions on media access, frustrate China’s progress towards this goal”,
IFJ Asia-Pacific Office said.
“The IFJ
urges the Central Government of China to direct the local government of
Xinjiang to strictly follow the Disclosure
of Government Information Law, and halt its practice of censoring the media
and restricting the access of journalists.”
Kashi
experienced similar organised attacks over two consecutive days in July 2011. Eight people were killed and 31 injured on July
30, and 5 people killed and 13 injured on July 31.
The ethnically diverse city of Kashi is home to more than 30 different ethnic groups, and was designated a
special economic zone by the government in 2010.
For further
information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific
on +61 2 9333 0950
The IFJ
represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries
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