Chen made this hand gesture 6 times during his confession which was aired by China's state media, CCTV, before his trial.

Chen Yongzhou, a journalist for the Guangdong-based New Express newspaper was arrested after he published a report about financial irregularities at a construction-equipment company called Zoomlion.

Chen's arrest sparked a huge outcry from Chinese people and also from the newspaper he was working for. The newspaper made a big effort to pressure the communist regime to release Chen, but a few days later, the chief of New Express was removed from his position.

The communist regime quickly arranged a TV "show" that showed Chen Yongzhou 'confessing' to accepting bribes, but most Chinese bloggers thought the 'confession' was the result of torture.

Chinese bloggers also questioned the following from the CCTV program:

1, Why did Chen make this hand gesture 6 times during his confession?

2, Why did Chen keep his eyes closed at all times during his confession?

3, There are 2 areas of bruising on his neck, are they the result of beating and torture ?

4, Why did CCTV broadcast Chen Yongzhou's confession before any trial?

5, Who had bribed him and why was that person not charged?

6, Why did they shave Chen's hair?

Journalist Chen Yongzhou from New Express newspaper (screenshot)

Chinese bloggers asked: Was he in physical pain when reciting this statement? (screenshot)

The bruise marks can be clearly seen on his neck. (screenshot)