Chinese investigative journalist released on bail amid defamation charges

17:30

By: Sahili Aya

Chinese investigative journalist released on bail amid defamation charges

A prominent Chinese investigative journalist has been released on bail after being detained over allegations of defamation linked to an article accusing local officials of corruption.

According to a statement issued by police in Chengdu, in southwestern China, journalist Liu Hu and a colleague were granted bail pending trial. Authorities stated that the case remains under investigation and did not provide further details regarding the timeline of judicial proceedings.

Liu Hu gained national recognition more than a decade ago for reporting on corruption within political and administrative circles. Earlier this month, police announced that two journalists were under investigation for allegedly spreading “false accusations” and engaging in “illegal business activities.” While the official statement mentioned only their surnames, several Chinese media outlets and the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders identified them as Liu Hu and fellow journalist Wu Yingjiao.

The controversy follows the online publication of an article accusing Pu Fayou, a local Communist Party secretary in Sichuan province, along with other officials, of corrupt practices. Under Chinese law, individuals released on bail must pledge not to interfere with the investigation and are required to appear when summoned by judicial authorities.

Liu Hu has previously faced legal action. In 2013, he was detained on defamation charges that were later dropped. His case has once again drawn attention to the broader environment for investigative reporting in China.

China currently ranks 178th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting ongoing concerns among international observers about media independence and legal pressures on journalists. The issue remains sensitive in a country led by President Xi Jinping, where the government has repeatedly emphasized the importance of media alignment with state priorities.

The latest developments are likely to reignite debate over the balance between combating misinformation and safeguarding investigative journalism in the world’s second-largest economy.