(This essay is my homework of writing class)
Changping is a well-known journalist, editor, critic and columnist, who has worked for several newspapers for more than 20 years in China. He has a reputation for bold articles. Recently, just before 2011 Chinese New Year, Changping was dismissed by a newspaper because his bosses were under pressure from Chinese government.
Changping is an honest, courageous critic. He always writes the truth and criticizes governmental corruption, societal unfairness and some politically sensitive topics. He also advocates that the Chinese government should respect human rights and encourage civil society. Because these themes are related to political reform, Changping has been warned by the authorities many times. He has experienced investigations, demotion, and his column was canceled last year. In January 2011, he was required to stop writing and lecturing if he wanted to stay in the newspaper. He refused. Then, the newspaper he worked for forced him to resign, but he refused too. So, they had to fire him.
Changping persists in writing because he considers freedom of speech as a basic human right. He said,“Writing or speaking is a very important right and I do want this right!” He also said,“Dishonest reports and prejudice are not the most terrible things if public opinion exists. If we have rights to discuss problems adequately，we do have an opportunity to gain truth and justice.”
Lots of Chinese concern and sympathize Changping’s situation. The number of his twitter followers increased 10,000 after one night. More than 16,000 readers have donated money to him to show their support, and many journalists support him too.
Changping said he would not give up writing in the future, and he would express his opinions on his blog. He believes that the readers will support those who defend freedom of speech.
