BEIJING: Protests against a proposed chemical plant in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong spread to the provincial capital yesterday, even as authorities signalled they may back down on construction plans in attempt to head off more unrest.
Public anger has grown since graphic photos surfaced on Chinese social networks early this week, showing demonstrators in the nearby city of Maoming — the location of the proposed plant — lying bloodied on the streets as rows of paramilitary police marched in formation.
The images of violence — which could not be independently verified by Reuters — have caused an outcry on Chinese social media, though many were later removed by censors.
On Sunday, hundreds of Maoming residents poured into the streets protesting against the plant producing paraxylene, a petrochemical used in making fabric and plastic bottles, and environmental degradation.
Protesters in the provincial capital, Guangzhou, yesterday renewed calls for an end to the chemical plant project, as well as justice for those who they believe were hurt or killed at the hands of paramilitary police on Sunday.
The government said no one was killed in demonstrations on Sunday and Monday, and did not mention whether anyone was hurt. Two protesters disputed the claim, telling Reuters that several people were killed and dozens hurt, though they did not know the exact number of casualties.
“The provincial government has a responsibility to address this,” said one protester by telephone, declining to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. “It’s not right that the paramilitary police can injure or beat people to death. It violates our most basic interests as citizens.”
Photos obtained by Reuters showed tear gas being fired at demonstrators on Monday.
REUTERS
