Latest news with #policeCrackdown
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Chinese Police Detain Dozens of Writers Over Gay Erotic Online Novels
The graduate student in southern China wrote the romance novel in her spare time, self-publishing it online. In 75 chapters, it followed two male protagonists through a love affair that included, at times, steamy sexual encounters. It earned her less than $400, from readers who paid to access it. Now, it could bring her a criminal conviction. Across China, the authorities have been interrogating dozens of writers — many of them young women — who published gay erotic novels online, in what appears to be the largest police roundup of its kind to date. At least 12 such authors were tried on obscenity charges in Anhui Province late last year, according to court records, and more investigations, including that of the student, were opened in Gansu Province this spring. Some of the writers have been fined heavily or sentenced to years in prison for producing and distributing obscene content. At the center of the crackdown is Boys' Love, a genre of romance between men that is mostly written and read online, and mostly by heterosexual women. Originally from Japan, it has developed a fervent niche following in China and other Asian countries since the 1990s, offering fans an alternative to the stereotypes of passive, obedient women and macho men in many mainstream love stories. At its peak in the 2010s, Boys' Love gave rise to some of China's most popular television and web dramas, and it launched the careers of some of the country's biggest male stars. But that has changed in recent years. As the genre grew more popular, state media began to denounce it as 'vulgar,' claiming that the gay story lines could distort young readers' sexual orientations. Shows were canceled, and television regulators banned Boys' Love adaptations and gay-themed content more broadly. In a 2018 case that angered many Chinese internet users, a popular author was sentenced to 10 years in prison on obscenity charges. RUSSIA MONGOLIA Gansu Beijing Lanzhou ANHUI East China Sea CHINA MYANMAR 500 MILES By The New York Times Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
HGV driver caught rolling cigarette while on M5
A HGV driver who rolled a cigarette with no hands on the wheel was among 58 motorists caught in a police crackdown last month. Gloucestershire Police used an unmarked lorry to catch unsafe driving behaviour on the M5, leading to court summons and traffic offence reports. The HGV driver was stopped by officers after being filmed between junctions 8 and 14. Sgt Matt Firth said cutting the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads "continues to be a priority" for the force. More news stories for Gloucestershire Listen to the latest news for Gloucestershire National Highways has three unmarked HGV cabs which it loans out to police forces across the country as part of Operation Tramline. The driver of a tow truck was pulled over and received a ban as officers found it had no brakes and an insecure load. Officers also pulled over two drivers towing vehicles while in the third lane of the motorway, which is not permitted according to the Highway Code. Drivers were also stopped for offences such as not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Sgt Matt Firth from the force's roads policing unit said: "We will continue to run these operations to detect and deter those who choose to drive in this manner, remembering that any of us or our loved ones could be impacted by such behaviours whilst using the county's roads." Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Children 'dodge cars' as car park remains closed Major motorway project 'unlocks' thousands of homes Police crackdown on dangerous parking as trial begins Gloucestershire Constabulary
BBC News
07-06-2025
- BBC News
HGV driver caught rolling cigarette while on M5
A HGV driver who rolled a cigarette with no hands on the wheel was among 58 motorists caught in a police crackdown last Police used an unmarked lorry to catch unsafe driving behaviour on the M5, leading to court summons and traffic offence HGV driver was stopped by officers after being filmed between junctions 8 and Matt Firth said cutting the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads "continues to be a priority" for the force. National Highways has three unmarked HGV cabs which it loans out to police forces across the country as part of Operation driver of a tow truck was pulled over and received a ban as officers found it had no brakes and an insecure also pulled over two drivers towing vehicles while in the third lane of the motorway, which is not permitted according to the Highway were also stopped for offences such as not wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone behind the Matt Firth from the force's roads policing unit said: "We will continue to run these operations to detect and deter those who choose to drive in this manner, remembering that any of us or our loved ones could be impacted by such behaviours whilst using the county's roads."
BBC News
10-05-2025
- BBC News
Police crackdown on illegal use of e-scooters in Lincoln
People riding electric scooters illegally in and around Lincoln city centre are the focus of a police Police said it had received more reports from people concerned about private e-scooter riders breaking the use of e-scooters in public areas is illegal unless used through an authorised rental force said it was important that people, particularly parents and carers, understood the regulations. A police spokesperson said people could find themselves at risk of being reported for driving offences and being charged even if a child was caught using it. They added: "And for the young person, there is a risk that they could end up with points on a ghost licence, which is another word for a licence they don't yet hold."As part of the clampdown, police outlined other offences that could lead to a fine if the person riding the e-scooter was caught. These include riding on the pavement, ignoring red lights and riding while using a mobile phone or under the influence of to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
