On August 3 the ministry of state security shut down New Culture Forum, China's first pro-democracy website. We severely protest against the ministry's suppression of the human right to freedom of expression. We express our deep apologies to the Million Internet Company and its general manager, and we offer our sincere gratitude to the people from all walks of life who have visited our site and shown concern for New Culture Forum. Humanity has entered the age of Internet information.
People use it to exchange ideas and to transmit messages.
It is a historic trend that cannot be blocked or reversed. Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are values of most people in the world today. Respect for opposition factions, the protection of minorities and individual freedoms are political principles followed by present-day civilised society. A normal, civilised government must tolerate different voices and accept scrutiny and criticism. Only then can the government remain honest and secure the cooperation of its tax-paying people.