【新唐人2013年08月24日訊】外媒熱評：薄翻供 習權威面臨挑戰
8月23號，薄熙來案的庭審進入第二天，法庭上，薄熙來與前一天一樣，對法庭指控的罪名全部否認，並聲稱他的妻子谷開來「瘋了」，而王立軍的證言是「閒扯」。
不過，薄熙來的舉動，已經不像前一天一樣，讓人感到意外了，全球輿論轉而開始分析他翻供的原因，以及翻供給他自己和中共當局帶來的影響。
除了中共黨媒發起「文革式」的痛批之外，各大國際媒體也紛紛發文評論。
法國《費加羅報》說，薄熙來案是對習近平能否樹立黨國主席威信的一次考驗。法國《回聲報》則懷疑，薄熙來是否試圖告訴他以前的同黨，他不會就此屈服，他在黨內依然有重要的靠山。
美國《紐約時報》報導說，這一天充滿戲劇性，也讓人產生了疑問，中共官員會如何繼續駕馭這個敏感的政治過程。
美國《新唐人電視臺》新聞網也發表時事評論員章天亮的署名文章評論說，薄熙來當庭翻供是將了習近平一軍，習的管治權威受到了空前的挑戰，而習近平現在要想在中共黨內立威，就得拋出周永康。
中國近兩千萬人可能受砷毒水污染
最新一期專業期刊《科學》發表一項研究成果顯示，中國可能有近兩千萬人受含砷毒污染的水源的危害。
這項由瑞士聯邦水生科學技術研究所和中國的科研人員所做的研究發現，中國有1960萬人口可能飲用不安全的水源，其中包括一些以前沒有估計到的地區，如四川中部和東部沿海某些地區。
中國記者劉虎被警方帶走
據大陸《南方都市報》報導，曾經在網路上舉報官員瀆職和受賄的《新快報》記者劉虎，星期五在重慶市家中被警方帶走。
《南都》引述劉虎妻子的話說，劉虎被帶走時被戴上手銬，而警察出示的證件顯示他們來自北京市公安局。而《南都》在網易微博上發佈的消息說，劉虎被帶走的具體原因尚不清楚，警方也沒有留下任何通知文件。
在此之前，劉虎曾經在他個人微博上實名舉報中共國家工商行政管理總局副局長馬正其嚴重瀆職、陝西公安廳廳長杜航偉接受性賄賂。
大陸活動人士許志永被正式逮捕
大陸知名公民運動活動人士許志永星期四被正式逮捕，他被指控的罪名是「聚眾擾亂公共場所秩序」。
許志永的律師張慶方和他的朋友中國企業界人士王功權，8月23號證實了許志永被捕的消息。
許志永一直呼籲大眾踐行憲法賦予的公民權利，被稱為溫和理性的社會活動家。
編輯/周玉林
Bo Xilai Denying Charges Challenges Xi Jinping
On August 23, the trial of Bo Xilai entered its second session.
In court, Bo denied corruption allegation,
whilst at the first day trial, he denied bribery.
Bo alleged that his wife, Gu Kailai, “has gone
mad”, and Wang Lijun’s testimony is “nonsense".
Bo’s reaction is no more a surprise for the world.
Global media began to analyze the motives
behind his denial of charges, and its impact.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state-run media
have launched Cultural Revolution-style censuring.
The leading international media
have also commented on the case.
French newspaper, Le Figaro, says that Bo Xilai’s
case is testing whether Xi Jinping can establish
his prestige as the CCP state leader.
French newspaper, Les Echos, questions if
Bo Xilai is trying to signal his political supporters.
That is, he won’t succumbs, and is still being
backed by some strong top-level CCP patrons.
The New York Times reports that “the dramatic
courtroom exchanges on Thursday raised
questions about how party officials would
continue to steer a delicate political process.”
NTD television published a commentary
on its website, authored by Zhang Tianliang.
The commentator says that Bo’s denial checked
Xi Jinping’s status, and challenges Xi’s authority.
Now, in order to assume his authority within
the CCP, Xi has to take down Zhou Yongkang.
Nearly 20 Million Chinese Drink Arsenic Poisoned Water
Latest research findings shows that nearly 20 million
people in China may suffer from arsenic water poisoning.
The study was jointly conducted by the Swiss Federal
Institute of Aquatic Science, and Chinese researchers.
Sources of drinking water for 19.6 million
Chinese people were found to be contaminated.
The scope covers some previously neglected areas.
This includes central and Eastern areas in
Sichuan, and some Eastern coastal regions.
Whistle-Blowing Journalist Liu Hu Taken Away By Police
Journalist Liu Hu is known for whistle-blowing
CCP officials’ malpractice and taking bribes.
China’s Southern Metropolis Daily reports that on
August 23, Liu was taken away by police in Chongqing.
Reportedly, Liu’s wife revealed that
he was handcuffed when taken away.
The police credentials showed that they
were from Beijing Public Security Bureau.
On its micro-blog, the media outlet published
the news, saying the police gave no reason.
Nor did they leave any notice of the detention.
Liu had blown the whistle on two CCP senior officials,
Ma Zhengqi and Du Hangwei, over the internet.
Ma Zhengqi, Deputy Director of the State Administration
of Industry & Commerce, was accused of committing
a serious dereliction of duty.
Du Hangwei, Director of Public Security Department of
Shaanxi Province, was accused of accepting sex bribes.
Renowned Rights Activist Xu Zhiyong Arrested
Xu Zhiyong, New Citizens’ Movement leader
in China, was formally arrested on August 22.
Xu was charged with “gathering people
to disturb order in public places."
Xu’s arrest was confirmed by his
lawyer and friend on August 23.
Xu Zhiyong has long been committed to appealing
to Chinese citizens to practice constitutional rights.
He is known as an inoffensive and rational social activist.