AsiaPundit appreciates the work of Reporters sans Frontieres. Seriously, it is an important lobbying group that has been successful at aiding journalists under detention and in peril worldwide. But the latest release is a tad silly.

Reporters Without Borders voiced outrage today at the news blackout imposed by the Chinese authorities on a visit by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, which no Chinese news media has mentioned. One official after another at every level has repeatedly denied that any such visit is taking place.

“This is not so much a lack of transparency as an orchestrated state lie to protect the planet’s worst dictator,” the press freedom organisation said. “Are the Chinese authorities ashamed of their troublesome ally.”

Kim arrived in China in his armoured train on 10 January. Today (13 January) he is said to be in southern China visiting the city of Shenzhen, the symbol of Chinese capitalism. The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that Kim stayed in the White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou. All other visitors were asked to leave the hotel, which - according to the receptionists - was full.

Outrage is a pretty strong term. AP and other reporters he talked to over here, were actually pretty amused at the whole farce. AP expects that includes other blogging journalists Running Dog and Shenzhen Zen.

A reworked lede could make it a bit more authentic.

Reporters Without Borders laughed immensely today at the news blackout imposed by the Chinese authorities on a visit by North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, which no Chinese news media has mentioned. Authorities were mocked and derided as one official after another, at every level, made themselves look like total dinks by repeatedly denying that any such visit is taking place.

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