State media asserts sexual misconduct claims against detained Boxun journalist
But Xiang's boss at outspoken website Boxun refutes details in writer's confession
State media have ramped up their campaign against detained journalist Xiang Nanfu, accusing him of consorting with prostitutes and having sex with fellow petitioners, while emphasising his lack of education.
Xiang was detained and has confessed to selling US website fabricated information deemed “harmful” to China.
As analysts linked Xiang’s arrest to a wider crackdown on critics and dissidents ahead of the Tiananmen anniversary, state media aired the full confession video.
Xiang suggested Boxun’s owners “used” him to gain information critical of China.
The arrest of Xiang has started to impact our reporting, especially in Beijing
“Boxun wants to use me to collect negative information about China. I, on the other hand, want to earn some money from [them]. I don’t have money,” Xiang said in a clip of the confession.