Xi Jinping using the state media to denounce ideological threats, sought to rid the Internet of politically unwelcome rumors, and tried to silence rights lawyers and journalists.

Activists in China Test New Leader and Are Crushed

By ANDREW JACOBS and CHRIS BUCKLEY 9:24 PM ET

Since Xi Jinping came to power, the Communist Party has used the state media to denounce ideological threats, sought to rid the Internet of politically unwelcome rumors, and tried to silence rights lawyers and journalists.

Greg Baker/Associated Press

Xu Zhiyong, center, was indicted last month for “gathering a crowd to disrupt public order” and faces conviction.