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BEIJING, Dec 29, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The top editor and two deputies have been fired from the Beijing News, one of China's most liberal newspapers.
The dismissals were announced Wednesday and staff members from a more conservative publication were expected to take over duties at the News, the BBC reported.
Reporters Without Borders said the exact reason for the firings was not released but it said some Chinese intellectuals and journalists said the Beijing News was often criticized by Community Party officials for its coverage, particularly on social issues. The BBC said a lawyer who represents journalists in China said the paper had been accused of several errors.
Among those dismissed was Beijing News Editor in Chief Yang Bin. The paper's previous editor in chief, Cheng Yizhong, was arrested in March 2004 because of investigative articles that embarrassed officials, Reported Without Borders said.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2005 by United Press International
