Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao has ended the decades-long run of popular satirical cartoonist Wong Kei-kwan, known by his pseudonym “Zunzi,” after his work drew fire from government authorities. Since 1983, Zunzi’s work had lampooned city officials over corruption, authoritarianism, rights abuses, and subservience to Beijing. “Ming Pao thanks Zunzi for the 40 years he has been with us to witness the changes of the times,” the editorial department wrote in a note accompanying the artist’s last cartoon May 11. The move came after his drawings were publicly criticized by both Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee and Security Bureau chief Chris Tang. (Nikkei Asia)
In related news, books about Hong Kong protest movements, the Tiananmen Square massacre and other subjects deemed politically sensitive by Beijing are being removed from the city’s public libraries. Last month, a government audit stated that the Cultural Services Department, which operates Hong Kong’s libraries, needed to “step up efforts in examining library materials for safeguarding national security and taking follow-up actions.” On May 16, Hong Kong media outlets reported the audit appeared to have prompted the stripping of hundreds of books from library shelves. Photon Media searched for 149 titles that were available in 2009 and found only four still listed. (The Guardian)
See our last report on the global cartoon wars.
Image: Zunzi cartoon depicting a monk, representing the Chinese government, controlling the rebellious Monkey King, representing Hong Kong, by a magic incantation—China’s national anthem. Photo credit: Bill Weinberg/The Village Sun
