China denies censorship, persecuting minorities
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China is denying claims that it censors the news. Chinese officials have told the UN Human Rights Council that its citizens are free to voice their opinions to the press, and any harassment of journalists is punished.
The statements in Geneva contrast starkly with claims by international human rights groups, which accuse Beijing of suppressing public dissent. The Chinese delegation led by ambassador Li Baodong also told Monday's meeting that the government opposes torture and would never allow it to be used against ethnic or religious minorities. (AP)
