Closer Look: How Police Got It So Wrong When They Arrested a Journalist

(Beijing) – The arrest of a journalist for allegedly damaging the reputation of an equipment manufacturer has spurred debate in both the media and legal circles. The discussions revolve around the rights of the press, interpretation of the law and possible abuse of power by the police.

The Criminal Law indeed includes a clause on "fabricating stories and spreading them to damage another person's business reputation." The clause became law in 1997 and is punishable by up to two years in prison and fines.