(2004-07-21) China Frees Sars Doc

China has freed Jiang Yanyong, the 72-year-old doctor who exposed their SARS coverup, after 45 days. But it seems likely that authorities will claim internally that Dr. Jiang showed remorse for his actions and, in Chinese party terminology, made progress in his political thinking under the instruction of military authorities. While in custody Dr. Jiang was made to write a "thought report" each day. By the end of his detention, Dr. Jiang had altered the report in a way that may allow his interrogators to claim that he had admitted errors, the person informed about his case said. (But he's put himself in hot water by considering writing about Tiananmen Square.) Jesus it's scary that they still live that way. Here's to our Open Society.