The Arab TV network is forced to shut down its English-language bureau in Beijing. Chinese leaders were displeased by its recent coverage of China's prison. For China-based foreign media, this is a clear example of the regime's censorship.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Chinese authorities have expelled the correspondent for al Jazeera English Service. China's decision not to renew Melissa Chan's press credentials was made public today, the first such case in many years.

In the recent past, China has increased censorship. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, some journalists have had their visa applications denied, but no journalist was actually expelled from the country. In Chan's case, the authorities have also refused to issue press visa for another al Jazeera English Service correspondent. Chan had covered China for the Qatar-based TV network since 2007.

China's Foreign Ministry refused to say why the reporter had been expelled. However, responding to repeated questions, spokesman Hong Lei said, "We stress that everybody must abide by Chinese laws and regulations and must abide by their professional ethics."

The move does not affect its Arabic-language service.

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC) said it was "appalled". "This is the most extreme example of a recent pattern of using journalist visas in an attempt to censor and intimidate foreign correspondents in China," the FCCC said.

The last case dates back to 1998 when Der Spiegel's correspondent Juergen Kremb was expelled for allegedly being in possession of state secrets. Mr Kremb denied the allegations.

Chinese authorities insist that journalists are free to work everywhere in the mainland, except for Tibet where restrictions are in place. Nevertheless, foreign journalists have been verbally attacked, blackmailed, intimidated and even physically assaulted.

Some sources suggest the expulsion was due to a documentary aired last year on torture and human rights violations in China's prison system.

Melissa Chan has filed nearly 400 reports during her five years in the country, covering stories about the economy, domestic politics, foreign policy, the environment, social justice, labour rights and human rights. However, she did not play any part in making the incriminating documentary.

"We've been doing a first class job at covering all stories in China," said Salah Negm, director of news at al Jazeera English. "Just as China news services cover the world freely we would expect that same freedom in China for any al Jazeera journalist."

 

• china
• al
• jazeera
• melissa
• chan
• expulsion
• censorship