Satiric SMS or libel? Writing political poetry in Chongqing
October 26th, 2006

In China, a man from Chongqing is facing three years in prison for writing a satirical poem and sending it to friends via SMS and I.M., reports Danwei.

“In mid-August, reports Southern Weekly, Qin Zhongfei wrote a few lines of poetry satirizing local leaders and a few public works boondoggles. Thinking it fairly amusing, Qin sent it off to “10-15 friends” via SMS and another “4-6 friends” via QQ instant message service. He was arrested for his troubles, since officials felt that the poem could cause social unrest and might harm business for Pengshui if too many people got wind of it.

… If the charges are upheld, Qin Zhongfei may face a sentence of up to 3 years.”

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