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    March 31, 2012

China Punishes Internet Sites for Coup Talks

   VOA News

   China's state media say the government has closed down 16 websites,
   arrested six people, and punished two social media sites for
   circulating rumors about a coup.
   Xinhua said late Friday the crackdown came after a surge in online
   rumors about a coup following the dismissal of a popular politician -
   Bo Xilai - leader of the city of Chongqing.
   Analysts say the clampdown underscores China's anxieties over a public
   that is wired to the Internet and eager to discuss political events
   despite censorship and threats of punishment.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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