| Elmo Voice Resigns, Bon Jovi Offers Cheap Seats Posted: 21 Nov 2012 10:50 AM PST | Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo, has resigned from Sesame Street amidst a new lawsuit accusing him of having sex with an underage boy. The accuser claims Clash had sex with him in 1993 - when he was 15. Sesame Workshop released a statement saying that Clash has "concluded that he can no longer be effective in his job." Clash's previous accuser recanted his allegations last week, changing his story to say that the two did have sex, but as consenting adults. So far, he's had no comment on the new allegations. Bon Jovi is giving a treat to fans. The band announced that it will offer tickets to their upcoming tour starting at $19.50 - a rare bargain for such a big act. The tour, called "Because We Can," will play arenas across the US, Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa and launch in February. Rihanna touched down in London on Monday for the latest leg of her "7 countries, 7 days, 7 shows tour" - the same day her new album, "Unapologetic," hit stores. The singer performed her latest single, "Diamonds." Her final stop will be in New York City on Tuesday (November 20). Finally, Selena Gomez was in Los Angeles to celebrate her new partnership with Adidas' NEO Label - coincidentally the same brand that Justin Bieber signed to just last month. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 12 0 ratings | | Time: 01:28 | More in People & Blogs |
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| Terror In Tel Aviv: Massive Blast On Bus Posted: 21 Nov 2012 09:32 AM PST | Israel Gaza peace plan derailed by terror bus explosion in Tel Aviv. Full Story: Medical personnel speed to the scene of a massive bomb blast in the heart of Tel Aviv. The explosion struck bus number 142 on Shaul Hamelech Street around noon time Wednesday. Twenty-one people were injured, with two suffering moderate to serious injuries. The blast took place near the Kirya military compound in Tel Aviv. Security agents suspect there may be a second device. [Yonathon Yogidovski, Magen David Ambulance Team]: "Bus had an explosion inside due to a bomb about ten causalities were treated and evacuated by Magen David Adom ambulance teams to the nearby hospital in Tel Aviv. Three of the causalities are severely to moderate injured the rest of the seven are lightly injured. We are still treating some people with anxiety syndrome and scanning the area . We are still here ambulances teams due to the fact that there might be another device in the area according to the information we receive from the police." Celebratory gunfire rang out in Gaza City when local radio stations reported news of the Tel Aviv explosion. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri praised the bombing, calling it a "natural response to the Israeli massacres... in Gaza." But Hamas did not claim responsibility for the blast. Israeli security officials estimate that whoever orchestrated the attack is not a member of a known terrorist organization. Police suspect that the explosive device was placed under one of the seats in <b>...</b> | Views: 48 2 ratings | | Time: 02:09 | More in News & Politics |
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| Queen Elizabeth Meets Royal Entertainers Posted: 20 Nov 2012 01:24 PM PST | Britain's Queen Elizabeth and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh greet stars who performed for the 100th anniversary of the Royal Variety Performance show. Full Story: After the 100th annual Royal Variety Show on Monday, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh greet the performers. An array of British stage talent and a host of international stars performed for her majesty at London's Royal Albert Hall. Among the talent was Robbie Williams, Placido Domingo, Alicia Keys, Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue, and Des O'connor. The performance was presented by British actor and comedian David Walliams who was among the first to greet the royalty. The show is a benefit for Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, of which Queen Elizabeth is a patron. The fund is a British charity that provides support to former stage artists, who are either old or injured. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 32 4 ratings | | Time: 00:58 | More in News & Politics |
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| Hamburg Swans Moved to Winter Quarters Posted: 21 Nov 2012 04:25 AM PST | It's a procession dating back to 1818. The tradition of moving the swans away from the Alster River is said to be hundreds of years old. In 1664 the city council of Hamburg, Germany placed the birds under protection. Since 1818, a "swan father" has been charged with the task of relocating them to their winter home. Every winter, Hamburg swan catcher Olaf Niess looks after Hamburg's swan population. And he wasn't chosen randomly. His dad was the chosen "swan father" before him. [Olaf Niess, Swan Caretaker]: "It's a century old tradition in Hamburg to take the animals to winter quarters as a sign of Hamburg's independence." The semi-wild birds are moved from the Outer-Alster River to a nearby lake where they can survive the cold. The lake has underwater pumps that keep the water circulating so it doesn't freeze over and trap the birds in the middle. To prevent injury from the birds' beaks or wings, the swan catchers tie the birds' wings and feet together during the short boat journey. For the pleasure of the city's bird fans, the swans will be returned to the Outer-Alster River in the springtime. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 0 0 ratings | | Time: 01:07 | More in Pets & Animals |
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| "Tough Mudder" Race and Obstacle Course Caps off in England Posted: 20 Nov 2012 03:46 PM PST | Competing teams compete on a muddy race course in Malpas, England. Full Story: Tough Mudder, the team obstacle course that has swept the world, ended its 2012 UK program in Malpas, England on Sunday (November 18). The final UK event of the year saw around eight thousand participants brave electric shocks, fire, and mud tunnels. The obstacle course is 12 miles long (19 kms) and has 25 obstacles for each team to complete. Unlike other mass races, Tough Mudder places emphasis on camaraderie over finishing times. Competitors work in teams to help their fellow "Mudders" complete the course. Originating in Pennsylvania, USA Tough Mudder has been a huge hit, with 35 events across the globe in 2012. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 15 0 ratings | | Time: 00:42 | More in Sports |
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| Israel Gaza Conflict Enters Seventh Day, No Sign Of Truce Posted: 20 Nov 2012 11:48 AM PST | No signs of truce as Israel Gaza conflict enters seventh day. Full Story: As the conflict between Israel and Gaza enters its seventh day, assaults from both sides continue, and a possible truce looks a long way off. Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi is attempting the difficult task of co-ordinating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, yet the positions of the two sides are not getting closer. Hamas demands not only the end of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, and a complete lifting of the Gaza blockade but also guarantees that Israel will no longer target-kill senior Hamas leaders. Israel stated yesterday that they will only agree to a ceasefire that guarantees a complete end to rocket fire from Gaza. Israel also warned that if no truce is reached within a 36-hour period, operation Pillar of Defense will be expanded. More than 70000 reservists are on standby, waiting for the order to start a ground offensive in Gaza. Israel's President Shimon Peres met with the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Sunday, and Middle East Quartet envoy Tony Blair on Monday. [Tony Blair, Middle East Quartet Envoy]: "I very much hope that over the coming days we can achieve cessation on a basis that is sustainable, on a basis that stops the threat of missiles coming from Gaza targeted at Israeli civilians and also then relieves the people of Gaza who also suffered of course." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken several times with US President Barak Obama, and <b>...</b> | Views: 118 12 ratings | | Time: 04:21 | More in News & Politics |
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| Bo Xilai Incident Downgrades Head Of Security Posted: 20 Nov 2012 08:12 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com On Nov. 19, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) announced its first personnel change. The list includes Meng Jianzhu, current Minister of Public Security, who is taking over the position of Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Committee (PLAC). As Meng is only a member of Politburo but not PLAC, outsiders said that the PLAC has been downgraded. The Times newspaper in Britain reported that this move relates to the Bo Xilai affairs. The report said that Bo Xilai attempted to use his connection with Zhou Yongkang to cling to power and possibly even to undermine the leadership. The CCP made the decision to prevent too much power to fall into the hands of heads of security. The Times reported that Zhou had greatly expanded the number of people working under him. The number of plainclothes police alone is estimated at 86000, and he allowed urban management to multiply. Zhou's budget for internal "stability" grew by 12% to 15% per year, compared with 11% to 13% for the military. The Wall Street Journal reported that some believed this security apparatus is becoming so powerful. It acts almost like a state-within-a-state. Being a head of security, Zhou could have challenged the new party leader, Xi Jinping. Hong Kong Media: The Chinese Communist Party Passed Proposal to Give Jiang Zemin the Boot Hong Kong's Cheng Ming magazine reported that the Central Politburo passed many resolutions in <b>...</b> | Views: 43 2 ratings | | Time: 02:52 | More in News & Politics |
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| Enlightening Reading: 9 Commentaries on The Communist Party Posted: 20 Nov 2012 08:12 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com It is eight years on Nov.19th since The Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party were published. More Chinese people understand the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) evil nature. They renounced the CCP and its affiliated organizations, thinking how to transfer to a society without the CCP. The Epoch Times published a special editorial series, Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party on Nov.18th 2004. Soon it was made into a book and published overseas. It was spread over the internet and various other channels. Immediately, the international community showed a strong response and the book was translated into different languages. Following that The Epoch Times launched Quit CCP website. Many mainland Chinese renounced the CCP and its affiliated organizations. Now more than 120 million Chinese have quit the CCP. Jing Chu, a writer in mainland China spent many years studying history. He lives in the communist environment where the CCP controls freedom of expression. So he didn't have a chance to know comprehensive information. After he read The Nine Commentaries, he understood completely. Jing Chu: "I read the truth piece by piece in my daily life. Never has anything like the Nine Commentaries dug out the CCP's rotten root. This book is remarkable. People are shocked after reading the Nine Commentaries. They improved their understanding greatly from psychological view and raising their awareness levels <b>...</b> | Views: 22 1 ratings | | Time: 04:50 | More in News & Politics |
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| Obama's Visit to Burma - A Heavy Blow to the CCP? Posted: 20 Nov 2012 08:07 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com For decades Myanmar has been China's friendly neighbor. In recent years the country carried out drastic political reform and is interacting frequently with the West. US President Barack Obama's first overseas trip after re-election included three Southeast Asian countries. Myanmar is one of them. Obama is the first US president, to visit Myanmar during his tenure. Obama also met with Myanmar's opposition leader, idol of democracy Aung San Suu Kyi. Media stated that Myanmar's opening to the West weakens the Chinese Communists Party' (CCP) impact. Commentators see this as a heavy blow to the CCP. Myanmar government has been isolated by the West due to its dictatorship. Currently Myanmar is transitioning from a military dictatorship to a democratic system. Thein Sein was elected as a president in February 2011. After he took office, he introduced a political reform. Soon the US and the European Union relaxed sanctions against Myanmar. Obama and the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Yangon on November 19, for a six-hour visit of Myanmar. During their meeting with Thein Sein, Obama expressed the US' hope for Myanmar to continue promoting the political and economic reform. Obama is considering to resume assistance projects in Myanmar, which were stopped for years. According to plan, the US is expected to provide Myanmar with a $170 million fund for aid. However, US expressed, the assistance <b>...</b> | Views: 31 0 ratings | | Time: 04:16 | More in News & Politics |
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| Repression Continues After Zhou Yongkang's Step-Down Posted: 20 Nov 2012 08:03 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com On November 19, the CCP mouthpiece Xinhua news said that the Minister of Public Security Bureau, Meng Jianzhu, will replace Zhou Yongkang as secretary of the Politics and Law Committee, as decided by the CCP Central Committee. This is the first round of personnel changes after the 18th National People's Congress (NPC) meeting. Analysis shows that Zhou Yongkang's dismissal is normal, like other Standing Committee members. In spite of the Politics and Law Committee's demotion, its function in the repression of people has not changed. Before the 18th NPC, it was speculated that members of the Politburo Standing Committee would decrease from 9 to 7 and the Politics and Law Committee and propaganda departments would be degraded. On November 19, Xinhua News reported that, Meng Jianzhu, Minister of Public Security Bureau and a member of the CCP Central Committee, has replaced Zhou Yongkang to serve as CCP secretary of the Politics and Law Committee. Analysts believe that, the Politics and Law Committee was relegated, because top leaders in charge of the committee are no longer served by the members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, which is the core of the CCP's power. Political commentator Wen Zhao analyzes that the downgrade of the Politics and Law Committee took place, not because it endangers the Chinese people, but because central authority CCP members see the committee as a threat <b>...</b> | Views: 3 0 ratings | | Time: 03:35 | More in News & Politics |
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| Xi Jinping Recognizes the Shocking Corruption Posted: 20 Nov 2012 08:01 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping, while presiding over the first meeting of CCP Political Bureau, mentioned anti-corruption issues and the danger of CCP ruin with the analogy, "rotting first, then worms." Agence France-Presse observed that Xi Jinping exposed CCP corruption with an unusual, straightforward tone. Other observers also mentioned Xi Jinping exposed the corruption issues as soon as he took office. CCP successive leaders have called for anti-corruption measures for decades. However, it seems the louder the voice, the more the corruption. The newly appointed CCP General Secretary, Xi Jinping, mentioned the serious CCP corruption problem in his first speech of the eighth session of the CCP Political Bureau. "The serious corruption problems may lead to CCP ruin ultimately," he said. In this regard, Zhao Yuanming, an expert of China issues, said the CCP will die, but China will not. Zhao Yuanming: "China has a five thousand year history of civilization. Although the dynasties have constant turnover, the country does not perish. Chinese people are born and live on this land, therefore, the country is still there. The CCP may collapse, but there will be another partisan or a new government to replace it." In the meeting, Xi Jinping used, "rotting first, then worms" to describe the corruption issues. He pointed out that the current CCP corruption and future disintegration is rooted in the CCP <b>...</b> | Views: 28 1 ratings | | Time: 03:40 | More in News & Politics |
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| Razing Ancestral Graves Widely Outrages Chinese Posted: 20 Nov 2012 07:58 PM PST | Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com Like us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com A large-scale "ancestral grave-razing" movement has been launched in mid-year in Zhoukou city, Henan Province. So far, "over 2 million graves have been leveled off, leaving empty nearly 30000 MU(5000acres) of arable land." For the Chinese Communist Party authorities, this is not an isolated issue. Earlier on, the same movement had taken place in Nanyang city. Reverence of ancestral graves is deemed an important part of traditional Chinese culture. The issue of ancestral grave-razing in Zhoukou has now aroused wide and intense public attention. Zhoukou is known as a capital of ancient China and the birth place of Lao Zi, founder of Taoism. In recent years, the province has launched a massive and ongoing "ancestral grave-razing" movement. So far, millions of graves have been razed in the province. Some scholars called for an immediate stop to be put to this official action. In an open letter, they have said that this is "barbarism", that "it seriously violates freedom of belief, and that it ruins traditional Chinese culture, and hurts public feelings." Nearly 300 people signed the appeal letter. The signatories range from advocates for reviving Confucianism, professors at Tsinghua University and Peking University, along with many writers, scholars, lawyers and college students. Zhu Xinxin (Freelancer in China): "Coffin burial is an age-old folk custom in China. The CCP's atheism is only its own party <b>...</b> | Views: 19 1 ratings | | Time: 04:33 | More in News & Politics |
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| Military Showdown In Gaza Orchestrated In Syria Posted: 20 Nov 2012 07:41 PM PST | Leading Arab media report Israel Gaza conflict sparked by Syria. Full story: The continued supply of arms by Russia and Iran to Syria has not been enough for President Assad to crush the once peaceful uprising against his tyrannical rule. As opposition forces met in Qatar to secure Western funding by forming a unity government representing Syria's diverse religions and ethnicities, Assad felt his position begin to crumble. By instigating the Hamas led assault on Israel, Assad has effectively shifted attention from his own bloody deeds, and indeed the death toll in Syria has risen dramatically whilst the eyes of the world remain fixed on Israel. Thats's according to the editor-in-chief of the most-read newspaper in the Arab world. Asharq Al-Awsat is a pan-Arab daily newspaper, printed in 14 cities spanning 4 continents, and originally launched in London in 1978. It's editor, Tariq Alhomayed, outlined his analysis in an editorial entitled "The solution to Gaza - return to Syria". Israel's declared goal in the current conflict is to deplete Hamas' arsenals and force the militant group to stop rocket fire that has targeted Israeli border towns for years. The rockets now have greater range, putting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem within their reach. The Israeli military say 554 rockets fired from Gaza have hit Israel since Wednesday, killing three civilians and wounding dozens. Some 303 rockets have been intercepted by Israel's "Iron Dome" missile shield. Hamas and other groups in Gaza <b>...</b> | Views: 88 6 ratings | | Time: 02:22 | More in News & Politics |
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| Hu Jintao's Legacy: Tears in His Eyes? Posted: 20 Nov 2012 06:00 PM PST | Full Episode: youtu.be Hu Jintao ended his term as paramount leader of the Chinese Communist Party last week. Although he will keep the title of President until next March, his stepping down in the Party means that the next Chinese leadership, under Xi Jinping, has begun. But even as Hu retires from public life, Chinese netizens are debating his legacy, sparked by a photo that shows Hu with tears in his eyes as he surveys the 18th Party Congress. On China Focus, we talk about why that photo made such an impact, and what Hu Jintao left behind. | Views: 51 1 ratings | | Time: 00:23 | More in News & Politics |
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| Korean Band 'TVXQ' Kicks-Off First World Tour Concert Posted: 20 Nov 2012 05:42 PM PST | South Korea's leading pop duo 'TVXQ' set off their first world tour concert in Seoul. Tens of thousands of fans showed up. Full Story: Live world tour "Catch Me" by popular Korean band, TVXQ attracted about 25 thousand fans from across Asia this weekend. [Max Changmin, Co-Star, TVXQ]: "It's been about four years. I feel so bad that we made them wait so long. However, this is our first concert as a duo, with two of us performing throughout the entire concert, so we would love to show our performances which are more mature and have grown." It took just three minutes for the band to sell 25 thousand seats for its two concerts in Seoul, its management company said. TVXQ was originally a five-member boyband, but the group split after three members left. The other three formed another band called JYJ, but the duo kept the band's original name. TVXQ still has a large following among Japanese housewives and girls in other Asian countries. [Max Changmin, Co-star, TVXQ]: "I would rather take the responsibility as a duty, not a burden. We will work hard to make a big name for ourselves, and our country as well. Maybe it will help make other singers standout." The next leg of the duo's world tour will be in Hong Kong early next year. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntdtv.org Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 541 45 ratings | | Time: 01:13 | More in Music |
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| Rihanna's Secret Gig During Release of "Unapologetic" Posted: 20 Nov 2012 05:29 PM PST | R&B star Rihanna touched down in London on Monday (November 19) for the latest leg of her "7 countries, 7 days, 7 shows" tour. The singer's London stopover included a short appearance at Westfield Stratford City in East London. She was given the honor of switching on the festive lights in front of hundreds of fans. [Rihanna, Singer] "The tour has been so special. This is like a completely different demeanor of performance that we've ever done, than we've ever done. It's tinier venues, it's really intimate so you get to see the fans' faces one on one. That's really special for me. I love it. I'm having such a good time." But the singer admitted she was a little bit behind on her own Christmas decorations and shopping. [Rihanna, Singer] "I have not started not a single thing yet. Not one thing yet. I'm so drenched in work for my new album, Unapologetic and when I was in the studio I really just stuck to studio. I even brought the studio to my house and didn't leave the house for two weeks." Kids from the charity, Save the Children, joined her on stage to count down to the start of the holiday season. An explosion of fireworks went off as she turned on the lights Rihanna then performed her new single "Diamonds". Monday also coincided with the worldwide launch of Rihanna's seventh album "Unapologetic," her seventh in seven years. The album's release was promoted with a short whirlwind toured launched in Mexico City last week. With a capacity of just over two thousand, the <b>...</b> | Views: 8 2 ratings | | Time: 01:56 | More in News & Politics |
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| Actor Russell Crowe Sells His Stake in South Sydney Rugby Club Posted: 20 Nov 2012 05:12 PM PST | Australian actor Russell Crowe is to sell his stake in South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league club after breaking up with his wife. Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe is planning to sell his stake in Australian rugby club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He says it's an effort to "simplify" his life after breaking up with his wife. The 48-year-old said he put on the market the 75 percent holding in the club he's co-owned since 2006. "My family situation has changed," Crowe wrote. "I have to address personally how busy I have made my life outside of my actual job. It doesn't change anything at the club level. I will always be a South Sydney supporter and member, as I have been, man and boy, South Sydney 'til I die." Named for the cry of rabbit hawkers in early 20th century Sydney, the Rabbitohs are the most successful team in the Australian rugby league. Although they have 20 premiership titles, the league had fallen on hard times before Crowe made his investment. Asked how Crowe's time as co-owner would be remembered, the club chairman replied, [Nick Pappas, South Sydney Club Chairman]: "As one of great success but I wouldn't want to talk about this in the past tense." The club has enjoyed a revival since 2006, and this year boasted 22 thousand members. It also reached the semi-finals of the post-season playoffs. Russell Crowe was born in New Zealand but now lives in the Australia. He won his Oscar in 2000 for his portrayal of a Roman general in the historical epic Gladiator. For <b>...</b> | Views: 4 1 ratings | | Time: 01:22 | More in Sports |
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| China News - November 20: Obama, Wen Meet at East Asia Summit Posted: 20 Nov 2012 03:14 PM PST | In today's NTD China News, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets US President Barack Obama at the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Cambodia. What do analysts think about Chinese leaders' call against corruption? China's domestic security apparatus, the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee, has been given a lower political rank, but analysts believe it will continue to suppress dissent. A court in Taiwan sentences a local man who tried to stop others from exposing the persecution of Falun Gong inside China. China, Japan and South Korea agree to start negotiating a trilateral free trade agreement beginning in 2013. China and ASEAN members sign two protocols to strengthen trade ties, following the ASEAN meeting in Cambodia. China's Commerce Ministry announces a drop in inbound foreign direct investment for this year. Two pandas get training before they are released into the wild in China. For more news and videos visit ☛ ntd.tv Follow us on Twitter ☛ http Add us on Facebook ☛ on.fb.me | Views: 30 2 ratings | | Time: 15:18 | More in Shows |
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| What will China's Domestic Security Do After Demotion? Posted: 20 Nov 2012 03:12 PM PST | This man is no longer China's security chief. Zhou Yongkang was replaced on Monday (November 19) as the head of the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee. His former status as one of the Communist Party's top leaders swelled the PLAC's power, something that the Chinese regime appears to now be reining in. Zhou's replacement, Meng Jianzhu is politically lower-ranked. Meng is the head of the Public Security Bureau, and is only a member of the Politburo. Zhou, on the other hand, was in the Standing Committee. But according to one analyst, that will not change the PLAC's function. [Wen Zhao, NTD Senior China Analyst] "Its role of suppressing the public, and interfering with judiciary independence has not changed. The CCP has only lowered it within its power system, so it's no longer another power-base and won't challenge the Party central. So it's like passing the knife from one hand to another, but the knife still points at the public." The PLAC oversees organs related to law and security, from the police, procuratorate, the courts to state-security. It's tasked with carrying out the Chinese regime's massive campaign to "maintain stability"—efforts that critics say translate to suppressing dissent—often through extra-legal means. Law Professor Zhang Zanning says with Meng Jianzhu taking the helm of the PLAC, the security apparatus will continue to lack the expected separation of powers. [Zhang Zanning, Law Professor, Southeast University] "It's very inappropriate for <b>...</b> | Views: 1 1 ratings | | Time: 02:20 | More in News & Politics |
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| Taiwanese Man Sentenced for Obstructing Exposure of Rights Abuses in China Posted: 20 Nov 2012 02:55 PM PST | This man on the loudspeakers was recently given a two-month prison sentence in Taiwan for obstructing freedom of speech. Chao Chin-chun is the head of a local pro-China group and attempted to silence critics of the Chinese regime. A Taiwanese court says he went too far. In April 2010, Chao turned up in front of Taipei's 101 buildings. For many years, local Falun Gong practitioners have set up temporary displays to tell tourists about the Chinese regime's persecution of the spiritual practice. But Chao tried to violently stop those efforts, and this month, Taipei's District Court found him guilty of obstructing freedom of speech. [Hsu Po-Kung, Taiwanese Falun Gong Practitioner] "His behavior shouldn't exist in the free and democratic Taiwan. Everything Chao did resembled the Communist regime. He even tried to place blame on us, even during the court hearing. The prosecutor then told the Judge that he has not shown remorse and asked for an appropriate sentence." Taiwan's Falun Gong spokesman, Professor Chang Ching-Hsi, welcomed the court's decision. But he believes the two months sentence, commutable to a fine, is too light. He says Chao's behavior is not isolated. [Chang, Ching-Hsi, Chairman, Taiwan Falun Dafa Association] "He did not act alone, similar events happened in Flushing, New York, and in Hong Kong. I believe there is a dark force supporting and directing this behavior and I hope these people can come to their senses." Human rights groups have documented Chinese <b>...</b> | Views: 0 6 ratings | | Time: 02:05 | More in News & Politics |
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