Rahul Sharma (Editor)

Subao Case

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In the early 20th century, Su Bao Case shook the press in China. In the summary of 1903, Su Bao, which was published in Shanghai foreign concession areas and led by Zhang Shizhao, was suppressed. Because it published a series of articles about overthrowing the monarchy and realizing the republicanism. At that time the pioneer of democratic revolution minister, Zou Rong, published Revolutionary Army. The Su Bao not only published the description of Revolutionary Army written by Zou Rong,the Perface of Revolutionary Army written by Zhang Binglin and Introdution of Revolution Army written by Zhang Shizhao, but also spoke highly of them. On June 29, the Su Bao published another article the Relationship between Kang Youwei and Sir Jue Luo which refuted not only Kang Youwei for his opinion of supporting constitution and refusing revolution, but also refuted Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi. On the same day that the article was published,foreign concession government arrested Zhang Binglin and Zou Rong, and then closed down the newspaper. The Qing government was urged to kill Zhang Binglin and Zou Rong. However, because of huge social pressure, the concession areas sentenced them to life in the first trial. Afterwards they were forced to change the sentence of Zhang Binglin to 3 years and Zou Rong 2 years.

It is memorable literary inquisition in Chinese history of newspaper. In Chinese history, the feudal class never allowed speeches of offence to governors in order to maintain authoritarian rules. They use literary inquisition as their weapon to control those who dare to say something, especially in Qing and Ming Dynasty. Since modern times when newspapers came into being, rulers was trying to suppress and control them. Su Bao Case showed a conflict between feudal rulers and modern progressive intelligences. And it may be the oldest and most typical literary inquisition in the press during the history of China.

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References

Subao Case Wikipedia