Free Republic

A Chinese billionaire who criticized President Xi Jinping's handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been jailed for 18 years on corruption charges, a court said Tuesday. Ren Zhiqiang, a retired real-estate tycoon with close ties to senior Chinese officials, disappeared in March after he allegedly penned a scathing essay that month criticizing Xi's response to the coronavirus epidemic. He was later charged with corruption-related offenses. On Tuesday, a court in Beijing found Ren guilty on multiple charges, including embezzling some $16.3 million (110.6 million yuan) in public funds, accepting bribes, and abuse of power that caused losses totaling $17.2 million...

Ren Zhiqiang, known as “The Cannon,” in the past has been one of the most prominent critics of Xi. Saturday morning his friends reported him missing, according to the Times. “We’re very worried about him,” Wang Ying, a retired entrepreneur and friend of Mr. Ren’s told the Times. “I will continue to look for him.”

China's 'Donald Trump' silenced: latest crackdown sparks fear -- and mockery By Simon Denyer February 29 at 5:27 AM You like potato, I like potahto. But if the Communist Party tells us to call it a radish, then a radish it is. China's war on free speech -- and the silencing of an influential real estate tycoon who some have nicknamed China's "Donald Trump" for his outspoken views - has sparked some dark humor online. But in amongst the jokes about vegetables, there is also a genuine unease and fear. Retired property developer and celebrity blogger Ren Zhiqiang faced virulent...