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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.