24 April 2008
China vows tough response to ‘rumour-mongering’
(Reuters) Chinese authorities will harshly deal with anyone who spreads rumours which "excite popular feelings" or disturb social harmony in the already restive region of Tibet, Beijing has said. The notice seems to be aimed at Tibetans who listen to foreign radio broadcasts, or skirt China's firewall to access overseas websites or exchange news with friends. "We will severely root out and give no indulgence to people with ulterior motives who spread rumours or excite popular feelings", the TAR government said in a statement on its website (www.xizang.gov.cn). Rumours which are "malicious and create serious consequences" will be "strictly dealt with in accordance with rules", it added, without elaborating. In the absence of uncontrolled media, rumours are often the main source of information in Tibet.