Chinese labor camp inmate tells of true horror of Halloween 'SOS'

[Newsjock]

Source: CNN



... The decorations came in a $29 "Totally Ghoul" toy set that Keith purchased in a local Kmart store in 2011. When she opened the package before Halloween last year, a letter fell out.

In broken English mixed with Chinese, the author cried for help: "If you occasionally (sic) buy this product, please kindly resend this letter to the World Human Right Organization. Thousands people here... will thank and remember you forever."

... After months of searching, through a trusted source and with some good luck, CNN found the man who says he wrote the letter that Keith found in her Halloween decorations. Released from the labor camp but afraid to be sent back, he agreed to his first television interview on the condition that CNN concealed his identity.

... He slipped 20 letters into Halloween decoration packaging in 2008 and at least one, against all odds, got out and made headlines four years later.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/world/asia/china-labor-camp-halloween-sos/index.html

Previously on DU (NYT coverage, June 2013): http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023012221
Portland Oregonian, December 2012: http://www.oregonlive.com/happy-valley/index.ssf/2012/12/halloween_decorations_carry_ha.html

[REP]

1. This is yet another reason why I try to avoid buying "made in China"

I was so oddly happy when I found a plastic treat kettle for Halloween that was US and Union made.

When I see $1 Bargain Bins of plastic stuff, i can't help but imagine the conditions they were made under.

[Fumesucker]

2. Buy American prison labor made goods

Far more ethical, our prisoners have been locked up for real crimes like smoking pot not imaginary political crimes.

[newfie11]

3. +1

Like the guy arrested 3 times for pot and now doing life.