Liu Di (Traditional Chinese: 劉荻; Simplified Chinese: 刘荻; Pinyin: Liú Dí; born October 9, 1981), writing under the screen name "Stainless Steel Rat" (不锈钢老鼠), named after the assertive Harry Harrison science fiction character, became a symbol for democracy and free speech in China since her detention in November 2002. Her screen-name is often translated as Stainless Steel Mouse. Biography Liu Di graduated as a psychology major from Beijing Normal University. Liu's case comes during a crackdown on Internet content as the government struggles to gain control over a new and popular medium. The reasons for Liu's detention were satirizing the CCP online and calling for the release of other "cyber-dissidents." She was freed from Beijing's Qincheng prison on Friday, November 28, 2003. Two other "cyber-dissidents", Wu Yiran, and Li Yibin, were also freed from a jail for political detainees. References See also List of Chinese dissidents International Freedom of Expression Exchange monitors Internet censorship in China 1981 births Living people Beijing Normal University alumni Charter 08 signatories Chinese dissidents Prisoners and detainees of the People's Republic of China