In April 2004, a Chinese Journalist Shi Tao sent an email to the U.S Based pro-democracy website using his Yahoo! Account. In the email sent he shared information of a government order directing media organizations in China concerning the upcoming 15th anniversary of the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy activists.
However, this email did not end here; later that year in November he was arrested for illegally providing state secrets to foreign entitles consequently being sentenced to ten years imprisonment and two years deprivation of political rights. Appeals were filed by both his lawyer and mother, which were constantly rejected. Part of the information which was lead to Shi Taos incarceration was supplied by Yahoo! in court, stating that they were simply following local laws. As china operates under an internet censorship policy which filters specific works and sensitive subjects.
In March 2005, Shi Tao's lawyer Guo Guoting's license was suspended by Shanghai Department of Justice. Three years later in 2007, Yahoo! Co-founder Jerry Yang expressed remorse for the company's actions, offering an apology to Shi Tao's mother and family who were also victims of injustice. As they were harassed by members of the authority at work as well as at home. Also, constantly pressurizing Shi Tao's wife to demand a divorce which she eventually did!
Due to the recognition of this case, Shi Tao was honoured with the committee to Protect Journalists International Press Freedom Award in 2005. This was due to his bravery and courage in this situation, putting his life at risk. Drawing the world’s attention to the Chinese firewall system. Later in 2007, in the 18th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre Shi Tao received a Golden Pen Of Freedom Award, which his mother accepted on his behalf.However, this email did not end here; later that year in November he was arrested for illegally providing state secrets to foreign entitles consequently being sentenced to ten years imprisonment and two years deprivation of political rights. Appeals were filed by both his lawyer and mother, which were constantly rejected. Part of the information which was lead to Shi Taos incarceration was supplied by Yahoo! in court, stating that they were simply following local laws. As china operates under an internet censorship policy which filters specific works and sensitive subjects.
In March 2005, Shi Tao's lawyer Guo Guoting's license was suspended by Shanghai Department of Justice. Three years later in 2007, Yahoo! Co-founder Jerry Yang expressed remorse for the company's actions, offering an apology to Shi Tao's mother and family who were also victims of injustice. As they were harassed by members of the authority at work as well as at home. Also, constantly pressurizing Shi Tao's wife to demand a divorce which she eventually did!
Shi Tao continues imprisoned til this day!
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