Media can help fight corruption

Two former high-ranking officials of Wuhan University in Hubei province were recently exposed for corruption. Reports on the incident show that freedom of the press can help the judiciary fight corruption, says an article in the China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

A few days ago, Gu Hailiang, former president of Wuhan University, admitted to having been part of a financial scandal. He said the scam took place 10 years ago.

Investigations have shown Gu was part of many a dirty construction deal. This teaches us never to believe a corrupt official's words when it comes to his/her dirty deals.

Since the procuratorial authorities do not get all the details of a corruption case during the investigation stage, they don't have to report everything. But they should at least come up with some facts.

Procuratorial departments, nevertheless, prefer to maintain silence because they think the media would use the revelations to spin a story, which would harm further investigations.

But the recent in-depth reporting on the Wuhan University scandal best demonstrates what freedom of the press can do to help the judiciary. Despite the procuratorial authority's silence, the media launched their own investigation and dug out vital facts.

In such cases, no one should block information because even a tiny detail can shed light on officials' operations and prevent corrupt deals.

The judiciary would only help the law enforcers and itself by interacting with the media, for such a system can not only fight, but also help prevent corruption.

(China Daily 10/23/2009 page9)