Chinese authorities shut down microblogging accounts belonging to a real estate mogul Chinese property tycoon
Following its pledge to more tightly control media, Chinese authorities shut down microblogging accounts belonging to a real estate mogul and frequent government critic after he lambasted state media organs for swearing fealty to the ruling Communist Party. The Cyberspace Administration of China published on its website Sunday remarks by a spokesman saying Ren Zhiqiang had published illegal information that harbored "evil influence" and urged other online celebrities to behave as "role models who follow laws and regulations." Known among his more than 30 million online fans as "Cannon Ren" due to his tendency to shoot off on topics ranging from neoliberal economics to housing policy, the 65-year-old stood out in recent years as a high-profile persona who dared to challenge the party leadership in a political environment increasingly intolerant of dissenting voices. Ren was again a prominent critical voice last week, when he lambasted state media outlets...