June 9, 2009
Singer Man Wenjun, who was busted for drug use on May 19, made his first public appearance yesterday since his early release from jail on June 3.
Speaking to a Beijing TV law program, Man apologized to the public for the “bad influence” that he has caused. A screen capture from the TV program was used as the big photo on the cover of The Beijing News today.
CCTV anchor Bai Yansong and comedian Zhao Benshan also appeared on the program. Bai believes that Man has learned his lesson and should start over. Zhao called for public sympathy, saying that Man is “essentially a good man”.
View Man’s apology online here.
Underneath the big photo, a headline raised the alarm about “a new crisis” caused by the increasing amount of waste in Beijing. The report estimates that the 13 dumps currently in use will be filled in four years if no measures are taken to curb the annual 8% increase of the amount of waste generated in the city. According to the article, the odor generated by overburdened garbage processing plants is a source of constant complaints from neighboring residents.
The paper’s top headline reports that eleven domestic vaccine manufacturers, including one based in Beijing, have received seed viruses from the World Health Organization to develop vaccines for the A(H1N1)-type influenza.
In other news, Shenzhen mayor Xu Zongheng is under investigation for suspected breach of discipline. There has been speculation about a link between Xu and Huang Guangyu, who was nabbed for possible stock manipulation last November. More details on China News Wrap.
- The Beijing News (Chinese): Man Wenjun apologizes to the public for drug abuse, Beijing has started A(H1N1) vaccine development