英闻天下——30 Weibo Anti-corruption Thrives in China

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　　"Uncle watch", Yang Dacai, a work safety official in Shaanxi, who was sacked in September after Internet users posted photos of him wearing luxury timepieces that he couldn't afford on his salary.

 

　　In October, Cai Bin², an urban management official in Guangdong was dismissed from his post after it was revealed online that he owned 22 houses.

 

　　In November, Lei Zhengfu, a district head in Chongqing, was sacked just 63 hours after a video featuring him having sex with a woman was leaked on the Internet.

 

　　In recent years, exposing corruption online has quickly gained momentum³ here in China, particularly after the 18th National Congress of the CPC in November. Over the course of this past month, at least 10 government officials have been removed from their posts due to corruption or misconduct.

 

　　Most of them were exposed by Weibo users, who found clues which led to broader investigations⁵.

 

　　An Internet user, calling himself Mr. Zhou, has collected photos of the mayor of his city wearing different luxury watches.

 

　　"I somehow found that our mayor was always wearing expensive watches. So I reported him in my real name. I still believe, believe that it is a society governed by law."

 

　　In the late 90's, government websites here in China became publically-accessible at all levels. By the end of 2010, nearly 70-thousand government portals had been launched, and over 12-thousand governmental Sina Webo accounts had been set up as of September of last year.

 

　　So far, there have been over 800 anti-corruption Weibo accounts. Millions of posts have since been forwarded on those accounts.

 

　　Insiders say internet and social networking services like Weibo, which is essentially⁶ China's Twitter, have broadened the channels for people to voice their opinion on public issues.

 

　　Professor Mao Shoulong with the School of Public Administration at Renmin University says traditional anti-corruption reporting is changing.

 

　　"There used to be various offence reporting letters, which would first go through a sieve⁷ in the discipline inspection⁸ commission. However the commission's resources are limited. They will not easily take action unless the informer reveals his/her real name. Doing this is risky⁹ because of the fear of reprisals¹⁰."

 

　　Though using the internet can shape public opinion without the fear of revenge, Mao Shoulong adds there are weaknesses in the new system.

 

　　"From the perspective of judicial¹¹ procedures, there are still problems in Weibo anti-corruption. For example, neglecting legal procedures might bring unexpected pain to the persons involved."

 

　　In one case, an Internet posting revealed that Li Yunqing, a retired¹² senior engineer in Guangzhou, owned 24 houses and was suspected of corruption. However, an investigation⁴ later discovered that Li, who is neither official nor party member, owned the houses with her son through hard work and investment.

 

　　Since its easily possible for someone on the internet to violate the privacy of others, it's being suggested legislation should be put in place to make "Weibo Anti-corruption" more accountable.

 

　　For CRI, I'm Cao Yuwei.

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