BEIJING: China this month arrested more than 1,000 people suspected of involvement in baby-trafficking, in a police operation which also rescued 382 infants, local media reported yesterday.
A total of 1,094 suspects involved in four baby trafficking rings were detained in a nationwide operation which began on February 19, the Beijing News daily said, citing a police statement.
China has a flourishing underground child trafficking industry, for which tens of thousands of children are believed to be stolen each year, with demand fuelled by a one-child limit combined with a traditional preference for sons.
Police were alerted after investigating a series of adoption websites which were found to be fronts for child traffickers, the Beijing News said.
Last month China gave a suspended death sentence -- generally commuted to life in prison -- to a doctor who abducted and sold newborn babies in a case that drew widespread outrage.
HK tycoon bets on free press
HONG KONG: Influential Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing yesterday condemned a brutal attack on a veteran journalist and warned the territory will suffer serious harm if it loses press freedom.
Li, who is Asia’s richest person, joined a chorus of dismay over Wednesday’s attack on Kevin Lau, who is being treated in hospital after being hacked with a cleaver in broad daylight.
A new alliance of journalist and news organisations plans to stage a rally tomorrow to condemn a string of violent attacks against the media which have stoked concerns for freedom of expression in the southern Chinese city.
“Violence can in no way be right. No matter what, the rule of law is the most important (aspect) in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is nothing without rule of law,” Li said at a press conference held as his conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa announced financial results.
Appearing solemn and concerned, he said press freedom “is our core value. If Hong Kong does not have press freedom, Hong Kong will face huge losses.”
Li, an 85-year-old self-made figure who is worth $32bn and rarely comments on political matters, is considered pro-Beijing and has criticised pro-democracy campaigns in the past. Agencies
