Editor’s note: This article, translated from wenxuecity.com is an interview with Jing Hua, the wife of former 21st Century Business Herald editor, Shen Hao, who was detained on September 25 following allegations of extortion. In the interview Jing Hua reiterates her support for her husband and criticises the lack of judicial process in the case.

On September 26, 16:00, Shen Hao, president of 21st Century Media Group’s wife Jiang Hua stood for over an hour in protest calling for fair treatment for her husband by the police.

She said that Shen Hao had always felt responsible for the all the employees of the 21st Century Media Group and that he hopes that the company can do right by them.
Throughout the whole process, Jing Hua remained calm and faced the crowd with a smile. She tried to appease 21st Century Media Group employees and thanked the staff for their encouragement and support of her and Shen Hao.

Photo: wenxuecity.com

Netease New Media: Before Shen Hao was arrested by the police, did he tell you anything about it?

Jing Hua: No. I have always believed that he was innocent and he believes this too. Yesterday, he went out to show everyone that he still has heart. The 21st Century Media Group still has heart. [Shen Hao was taken away] very suddenly and we do not have any information about it. I hope that the leadership of 21st Century will actively help those employees whose families were taken away. So many people [note: about 20 people were arrested] were taken away. We do not know anything about their situation and how they are. I hope that the staff of the 21st Century Media Group will be able to make their voices heard.

Netease: What are you worried about now?

Jing Hua: I have nothing to worry about. I can only continue to say that I believe him. I have believed in him for many years. Shen Hao has always believed in being true to oneself. He has always insisted on this. As a leader of 21st Century newspaper, he works with such a large group, perhaps he has made mistakes in managing the company. However, I absolutely believe in his character and am convinced that he has believed and insisted on keeping his ideals while dealing with the newspaper.   

Netease: Shen Hao was questioned after he was taken away by the police. The questions are more or less about financial issues in the company. How do you respond to this?

Jing Hua: I very seriously asked Shen Hao about this matter [the 21st Century Media Group’s incident involving extortion]. Our family does not have any financial problems. Shen Hao very clearly told me that all of our family’s income is legitimate and there are no financial issues.

Netease: Shen Hao wrote a letter while inside that read, “I believe in justice, especially the power of procedural fairness.” How do you view this?

Jiang Hua: I believed that everyone should naturally be believed. But the way it has happened now has made those who are arrested speechless and powerless. When they took Shen Hao away, I did not get any notice from the police or any notification from the newspaper. When he was arrested the police did not have an arrest warrant. More than ten 21st Century staff were involved in the incident, which has been since September 3. Only one person has been able to get a lawyer.

Netease: What are you going to do next?

Jing Hua: First get a lawyer. But this also may prove useless. We hope that a very brave domestic lawyer will be able to help us.

Netease: On your Weibo, you wrote that Shen Hao came home one night crying?

 

Jing Hua: Shen Hao hadn’t cried for many years. On September 10 or 11, he came back very late at night. He was very quiet and he told me that he had cried. He was extremely sad that his colleagues had been arrested. In those days he was constantly interrogated by the police. Even on Sundays, police sat in his office constantly questioning him.

Netease: Has Shen Hao recently talked to you about what will happen with the newspaper?

Jiang Hua: Shen Hao is a very quiet man, we all know this. Over the years, no matter much pressure he was under at work or from other matters he would never bring it back home with him. During this time, he never talked to me about the issues going on because he was worried that I would get scared. Sometimes, I didn’t dare ask him because I know it would make him even more worried. He was back home at midnight every night and he still tried to help the families of those who had been arrested. He felt that 21st Century should be responsible for all of its employees.  

Source: http://www.wenxuecity.com/news/2014/09/26/3629505.html

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Keywords: Newspaper Boss Detained Shen Hao’s Wife