Fact Check: "Insulting Xi Jinping is a crime in China"
What We Know
The claim that insulting Xi Jinping is a crime in China is partially true. In recent years, the Chinese government has enacted laws that criminalize the act of insulting or slandering "heroes and martyrs," which can include historical figures and, by extension, political leaders like Xi Jinping. For instance, a draft amendment to the Criminal Law submitted in June 2020 stipulated that those who insult or slander heroes and martyrs could face imprisonment of up to three years, criminal detention, or other penalties if the circumstances are deemed serious (source-1).
In March 2021, a law was passed that explicitly made it a crime to mock or attack revolutionary heroes and martyrs, reflecting a broader campaign by the Communist Party to enforce ideological conformity and suppress dissent (source-2, source-3). This law has been used to prosecute individuals for comments that are perceived as slanderous towards figures celebrated by the state, including Xi Jinping, as part of a larger effort to control historical narratives and protect the party's image (source-4).
Analysis
The enforcement of laws against insulting heroes and martyrs has been notably aggressive under Xi Jinping's administration. The new legal framework allows for the prosecution of individuals for comments that could be interpreted as disrespectful or critical of the Communist Party's historical narrative. For example, a woman was sentenced to seven months in prison for mocking a war hero in a social media post, illustrating how these laws are applied in practice (source-2).
Critics argue that these laws are part of a broader strategy to stifle free speech and dissent in China. The crackdown on historical debate and the enforcement of ideological purity have intensified, with individuals facing severe penalties for questioning state-sanctioned narratives (source-3). The reliability of sources reporting on these developments is generally high, as they include established news organizations and legal analyses that document the implications of these laws (source-4, source-5).
However, the specific claim that "insulting Xi Jinping" is a standalone crime is misleading. The laws do not explicitly name Xi Jinping but rather focus on the broader category of slandering heroes and martyrs, which can encompass any criticism of the party's historical figures, including current leaders. This creates a chilling effect on free speech, where individuals may self-censor to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Conclusion
The claim that "insulting Xi Jinping is a crime in China" is partially true. While there are no laws that specifically target insults directed at Xi Jinping, the legal framework surrounding the protection of heroes and martyrs effectively criminalizes any speech that could be interpreted as disrespectful to him or the Communist Party's historical narrative. This legal environment fosters a culture of fear and self-censorship, making it risky for individuals to express dissenting opinions.
Sources
- Act of insulting or slandering heroes and martyrs deemed as crime source-1
- China Makes It a Crime to Mock Country's Heroes - The New York Times source-2
- China law criminalizes attacks on revolutionary heroes - AP News source-3
- China: where a post can land you in prison - FairPlanet source-4
- China: Human rights defenders criminalised as well as face harassment, surveillance, and transnational repression - CIVICUS Monitor source-5
