12/22/2011

Wukan Protests: Two Worlds, Uneasy Co-Existence

Source: Women’s Rights in China  Pulsihed Time: 2011-12-22 
Women’s Rights in China Reports

Journalists working for wrchina.org reports that Local authorities in Shanwei, China has ended the blockade of Wukan, the village which had been in open rebellion in the last few weeks. On December 22nd, WRChina reporters saw an eerie scene of silent confrontation. Red banners in the streets proclaim “Enthusiastic Welcome to Provincial Working Group Visiting Our Village” and “Support the Communist Party, Support the Party Leadership”. While notices issued by the village self-governing committee, “Corrupt Officials Must Pay for Destruction of Our Land” and “Remember Wukan Hero Xue Jinbo” remain. The contrast symbolized the chilly confrontation behind two days of peace after the blockade was lifted.

At 4pm on December 22nd, Deputy Provincial Party Chairman Zhu Mingguo visited the village for a brief tour. Before his departure, he declared that the government would not seek to prosecute participants or organizers of the rioting. The government’s resolution of events in Wukan would satisfy the village residents. One villager who had been under arrest had been releases.

However, village residents have told WRChina reporters that two other arrested villagers still remain in detention. The body of Xue Jinbo had not been returned. The government promised to “release the prisoners, return the body, acknowledge village election results and return the land” by the 23rd. If the promise is not kept, villagers plan to continue their protest.

Villagers watched reports on their protests on Phoenix Satellite Television by nightfall. Groups gathered to discuss recent developments, focusing on possible government retributions in the future. Wukan residents have been very friendly to outside visitors. Several stores resumed operations in the village, although most remain shuttered.

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