[quote]A group of former senior Communist party officials in China have launched a scathing attack on the country’s handling of the media and information…
…They said strict censorship may “sow the seeds of disaster” for China’s political transition.
Among the signatories are an ex-aide to Mao Zedong, a former newspaper editor and a former party propaganda chief…
…“History demonstrates that only a totalitarian system needs news censorship, out of the delusion that it can keep the public locked in ignorance,” the group said in the letter, according to Reuters news agency. …
…Those signing the letter include Chairman Mao’s former secretary, Li Rui; the former editor of the Communist party’s own mouthpiece, People’s Daily, Hu Jiwei; and ex-propaganda boss, Zhu Houze.[/quote]