Earlier quoted context omitted.
My surprise was directed at the fact that people have this in a system advertised as democratic. I am quite well-acquainted with cases like those you quote.
The Soviet Union was advertised as democratic. Nazi Germany was advertised as democratic. Communist China was/is advertised as democratic.
Aye, but no Chinese without political involvement and no mental problems would freely claim (and believe!) he's a free man living under a democratic regime.