Shanghai stampede
Artist: Journalists/Reporters
Year:
Date of Action: January-February 2015
Region: Asia
Location: China (Mostly Shanghai)
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Journalism
Confronting Bodies: Chinese Government
Description of Artwork: Journalists and news reporters of Shanghai and China's media as a whole were censored in this incident because of the disturbing and truthful content of their coverage on a stampede that occurred on New Years Eve in Shanghai, killing 36 and injuring more than 50. The content censored featured tragic and heart wrenching interviews of family members of the dead, and other facts that pointed out the law enforcement didn't do their part to prevent the stampede from happening.
The Incident: Chinese government and law enforcement limited the coverage and reporting of this tragedy that included any details reported in a negative light, blaming shanghai police officers for the deaths and horrible series of events that could have been prevented. All reports and coverage that criticized the governments actions in the slightest, were removed from circulation. The authorities clearly felt that censoring the news of this stampede was the only way to protect their image.
Results of Incident: A huge reaction form journalists and media across the globe, as well as reports and journalists in shanghai reported the governments censorship of this event and rallied many supporters online, creating a discussion of whether or not the government has the right to "protect" us from the truth of news which might dismantle their reputation.