The Daily – A Marriage, a Secret and a Crackdown in China

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily,” we dive into the story of a marriage, a secret, and a crackdown in China. The Chinese government has been tightening its grip on its citizens, limiting their freedoms and controlling what they can do, read, and say. We explore the case of a man known as Program Think, who wrote articles about overthrowing the government and was arrested, leaving his wife to navigate the aftermath. This story raises important questions about the balance between national security and individual freedom in China.

Main Takeaways

Crackdown on Individual Freedom

• China has placed more and more restrictions on its citizens, tightening its hold over what people can do, read, and say.
• The story raises questions about the balance between national security and individual freedom in China.
• Program Think was the last blog standing in China that expressed critical thoughts.

The Mysterious Author

• Program Think was a Chinese blog that boldly talked about Chinese politics and the Chinese government, but was only accessible outside of China’s censored internet.
• The author of Program Think was unknown until earlier this year when a woman claiming to be his wife appeared.

The Arrest and Aftermath

• The author of Program Think was arrested by the Chinese government for writing articles that outline how to overthrow the government, and his wife was left to pick up the pieces.
• National security cases in China are completely top secret, with trials conducted behind closed doors.
• The wife of a man held in a national security case is completely in the dark about the case.

The Relationship and Disagreements

• Bay’s husband was taken away by the police in May 2021, but she doesn’t know the details of the accusations against him.
• Bay’s husband was found guilty of subversion of state power for publishing subversive articles starting in 2009.
• They had disagreements about fundamental issues, such as having children and caring about societal problems.

The Discovery and Fight for Justice

• Bay discovers an ongoing list of book recommendations on a blog that overlaps with her husband’s recommendations and interests.
• Bay becomes convinced that the blogger, Program Think, is her husband, but cannot confirm it.
• Bay regrets not having a conversation with her husband sooner and hires two prominent human rights lawyers to appeal his case.

The Broader Crackdown

• Bay’s husband’s case is part of a broader crackdown in China, and it’s hard to give a number on how many people have been affected.
• Bay’s experience changed her and gave her a different understanding of reality.

Summary

The Crackdown on Individual Freedom

In China, the government has been tightening its control over its citizens, restricting their freedoms and limiting what they can do, read, and say. This crackdown raises important questions about the balance between national security and individual freedom.

The Mysterious Author and the Arrest

Program Think was a Chinese blog that discussed Chinese politics and the government, but it was only accessible outside of China’s censored internet. The author remained unknown until a woman claiming to be his wife appeared. The author was eventually arrested by the Chinese government for writing articles about overthrowing the government, leaving his wife to face the aftermath.

The Relationship and Disagreements

Bay’s husband was taken away by the police, and she was left in the dark about the accusations against him. He was found guilty of subversion of state power, but the government did not provide any details about his writings. Bay and her husband had disagreements about important issues, causing distance in their relationship.

The Discovery and Fight for Justice

Bay discovers a blog with book recommendations that align with her husband’s interests. She becomes convinced that the blogger, Program Think, is her husband, but cannot confirm it. Regretting not having a conversation with her husband sooner, Bay hires human rights lawyers to appeal his case and fights for justice.

The Broader Crackdown and Bay’s Experience

Bay’s husband’s case is part of a larger crackdown in China, and the number of affected individuals is difficult to determine. Bay’s experience has changed her and given her a different understanding of reality. She decides to go public with their identities to draw attention to the case and create pressure on the Chinese government.

Conclusion

The story of a marriage, a secret, and a crackdown in China highlights the challenges faced by individuals in a country where national security takes precedence over individual freedom. It raises important questions about the balance between security and personal liberties. Bay’s fight for justice and her decision to go public with her husband’s case shed light on the broader crackdown in China and the need for international attention and pressure.