24 Nov 2008

China: Gansu Locked Down After Riots

A police officer kicks a protestor restrained by two fellow officers in Longnan, Gansu province. Photo: RFA Volunteer

Authorities in the north-western Chinese province of Gansu have imposed a curfew on some districts of Longnan city following two days of violence between security forces and local residents resisting eviction.

"The whole area is under curfew," a local official who declined to be identified said. "Any groups of more than three people will be beaten without mercy."

He said government propaganda cars were moving through the city following rioting Tuesday, warning local residents not to leave their homes, to be careful what they say, and not to gather in groups of more than three, on pain of strict enforcement.

Police beat an unarmed civilian with truncheons during protests in Longnan, Gansu province. Photo: RFA Volunteer

"They were beating everyone they saw out on the streets [Tuesday]," he said. "They were saying in my department today that the police are attacking people. It's horrible. Things have got really serious."  Read more at rfa.org ...

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