The following examples of censorship instructions, issued to the media and/or Internet companies by various central (and sometimes local) government authorities, have been leaked and distributed online. Chinese journalists and bloggers often refer to those instructions as “Directives from the Ministry of Truth.” CDT has collected the selections we translate here from a variety of sources and has checked them against official Chinese media reports to confirm their implementation.
Gold medalist Liu Xiang is out of the Games.
The Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China issued two successive directives concerning Liu Xiang, the hurdler who earned China’s first gold in men’s track and field in 2004. Liu bowed out of the 2008 Games with an inflamed Achilles tendon. That same tendon tore yesterday, ending his race before it really began. Liu kissed the last hurdle as he hobbled out of the stadium.
August 6, 2012
Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China: The media must not make predictions on Liu Xiang’s performance in the preliminary heat. Do not report negative news about him. The media must strongly affirm Liu’s indomitable fighting spirit against all odds.
中宣部：媒体不要预测刘翔的预赛成绩，关于刘翔的负面新闻不要报道, 应积极肯定其克服困难顽强拼搏的精神。
August 7, 2012
Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of China: In reporting on Liu Xiang failing to complete the race at the London Olympics, strictly adhere to the essence of the Department’s previous notice. Focus on Liu’s indomitable fighting spirit. Do not issue negative reporting or commentary.
中宣部：对刘翔在伦敦奥运会上没有完成比赛一事，严格执行我部此前有关通知精神，重点报道刘翔顽强拼搏精神，不作负面报道和评论。
