Chinese Comedian and Supporters Detained for Jokes About Military

Chinese police have detained a woman for posting online in support of comedian Li Haoshi, who was punished for making a joke that authorities said insulted the Chinese military. The woman, surnamed Shi, admitted to police that she had posted “inappropriate” comments about Chinese soldiers. Li was fined £1.68m and apologised on Weibo before his account was suspended. Shi was put in administrative detention for up to 15 days without charge. The incident has prompted some comedy operators to cancel shows and spread fear among performers about crossing government lines.