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Fight corruption through micro blogging

By Fan Junmei: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, February 27, 2013

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Gao Qingrong.[File photo]

Although many people wish the Spring Festival holiday to continue, Gao Qingrong can't wait to get back work.

On Jan. 22, Gao exposed on his micro blog that Zhang Yan, a staff member with the disciplinary commission of Yuncheng city, Shanxi province, has two hukous registered in Beijing and Shanxi. Expecting more tip-offs, Gao publicized his cell phone number on his micro blog. Zhang Yan's family became furious and threatened to teach him a lesson. The blogger only laughed.

Gao, 58, is from Wanrong county, located in Shanxi province's Yuncheng City. He used to be a journalist at the Shangxi Youth Daily and was hailed as a great hero of anti-corruption.

In 1987, the former Deputy Party Secretary of Taiyuan city was removed from office after Gao published an article alleging that the official was harboring his son, who had raped several women. Since then, Gao has received more tip-offs and exposed more dirty deals, and in the process has made many enemies.

In 1999, Gao was thrown into prison on alleged charges of "bribery, pimping, and fraud." After his appeal was rejected, Gao wrote many letters to judicial authorities to prove his innocence, but were ignored.

Eight years later, Gao was released but could not find a decent job due to his criminal record. He managed to make ends meet through writing and advertisement planning. Fortunately, he caught wind of social media.

Gao opened a blog under the name of "Gaoqinrongyangmeijianchuqiao," meaning "Gao Qinrong raises his eyebrows and unsheathes his sword." "I think the internet is much better than traditional media platforms," Gao noted.

Having been a reporter for more than 20 years, Gao was very sensitive to potential hot topics. He once exposed a coal station manager in Shanxi province embezzled 110 million yuan in less than a year. This article was later published by Southern Weekly under pseudonym.

"The internet is so powerful and our new leaders value real-name reporting. I have a new platform to fight corruption," Gao said.

In 2011, Gao co-wrote a 30,000-word article with journalists from Xinmin Weekly, exploring a mining accident in Shanxi province, generating outcry nationwide.

In 2012, Gao posted on his micro blog that the President of Shanxi Coking Coal Group lost 50 million yuan in cash during a home robbery, which also generated headlines.

On Feb. 7, 2013, he exposed an officialwhom possessed four identities cards. The Beijing Times reported this forgery in detail, calling Gao a "renowned revelator."

Gao told China Youth Daily that he not only attacked the dark, but was a champion for the light. He once interviewed a Party Secretary of a village in Shanxi's Licheng county. The noble man led villagers to prosperity, but his salary was only 300 yuan. Deeply touched, Gao wrote an article about the man who was later called "National Excellent Party Secretary."

When people turn to journalists rather than the legal system for justice, "Journalists become targeted by corrupt officials," Gao said. Wrongful imprisonment does not dissuade Gao, because "I feel honored to fight for justice."

Gao also opined on how to make information spread more effectively. "Public interests are very important," he said. The title and brief introduction should also be carefully deliberated. A whistle blower once informed Gao about a demolition dispute which involved a local People's Congress deputy. While combing for clues, Gao found the deputy had "four wives and ten children," and made it the title of his article which he forwarded to numerous internet users. After a short period of time, the deputy was disqualified and detained.

Now, fighting corruption through micro blogging has become the center of Gao's life, "Cherishing ordinary people with my whole heart, I feel fulfilled when I sing for them, or cry for them in my writing," said Gao.