Chinese Magician in Hot Water Over Goldfish Trick

China has come under fire again for human rights violations, despite assurances from government offi -- HOLY CRAP, ARE THOSE GOLDFISH SWIMMING IN FORMATION?

The AFP reports that magician Fu Yandong was slated to appear on CCTV tomorrow for the conclusion of China's Lunar New Year holiday to reprise a trick (seen above) in which he conducts goldfish to swim in synch. Animal rights groups were outraged, "saying Fu had likely fed the fish magnets -- or implanted them in the fish -- so they could be dragged around their tank from underneath." They successfully got CCTV to cancel Fu's performance:

In an open letter on Monday, 53 Chinese non-governmental organisations urged TV stations not to broadcast Fu's act in the future, and demanded the trick not be repeated during CCTV's Lantern Festival special.

The groups expressed fears the trick could lead to animals being tortured if viewers tried to copy it.

"Fu Yandong, based on the tradition of secrecy in the world of magic, refuses to reveal what lies under his trick. So the public remains unclear whether the fishes' safety is assured," the letter said.

In unrelated news, incredible magician Fu Yandong will be appearing on Hunan Television, a regional broadcaster, to perform with his amazing goldfish tomorrow night! He will also be revealing the secret to this famous trick -- tell your friends! Don't watch CCTV if you want to see this mind-blowing feat of aquatic magic, watch Hunan Television!

Hunan Television: Where Magic Happens!

(Runnin' Scared is in no way affiliated with Hunan Television)

China magic fish trick sparks outrage [AFP]