China Newspaper Begs for Release of Investigative Journalist Accused of Defamation

Reuters reports the "state-run New Express tabloid printed a front-page commentary begging police in the south-central city of Changsha to set reporter Chen Yongzhou free under the headline: 'Please release him."'

Chen was detained on defamation charges after "writing more than a dozen stories criticizing the finances of a major state-owned construction equipment maker," including that the company "engaged in sales fraud, exaggerated its profits and used public relations to defame its competitors," Reuters also reports.

Upshot? A reporter is arrested for alleged defamation after exposing alleged defamation and other alleged wrongdoings of a Chinese business.