30,000 riot in China

More riots in China.

30,000 people took to the streets in Weng'an, setting fire to government buildings and burning cars after a girl was allegedly raped and murdered by the sons of Communist Party officials. After the girl's uncle confronted police about her death he was later beaten up, at which point public anger boiled over into a major riot.

Unusually, instead of closing ranks and supporting party officials, Beijing has sacked four senior Communists in Weng'an.

Chinese bloggers seem to have played a significant role in keeping up pressure on the authorities. Using a number of clever tricks, the bloggers were able to keep re-posting faster than the authorities could censor them. If you happen to read Chinese, have a look at the blog of one of the ringleaders, Zhou Shuguang, who, when he isn't running a fruit and veg stall, blogs about opposition to the regime and to local corruption throughout China.

This event is clearly a tragedy for the family of the girl who was killed and for the people who got hurt in the riots but, for once, it is encouraging to see Chinese people challenging the authorities and getting justice.

As the Olympics approach, people are taking the opportunity to air their grievances and they've got the government worried. The authorities will crack down rather than risk anything disrupting the games. Let's hope that people like Mr Zhou will continue to outwit them.

Comments

[Andrew Allison]

A sad story, but good news that the Chinese people are standing up to their oppressors. Are the Chinese authorities going to investigate this case, or do they think firing four officials will be enough punishment?