Pollution Protests

In the eastern province of Fujian 200 villagers attacked four industrial plants, some armed with iron bars. Two leather factories, a plastics factory and a sewage plant were assaulted in the revolt.

The owner of Xinde Leather Co. in Quanzhou was quoted as saying that “they rushed into the office building, kitchen, dormitory and grocery store, smashed all the glass, air conditioners and other breakable things and took anything valuable, including kitchen items”. Three cars were also allegedly destroyed.

The angry farmers were protesting against the pollution caused by these industries, particularly against the sewage plant, claiming that it has contaminated the water supply, damaged crops and produced a foul smell in the air.

Protests like these are a common occurrence across China’s countryside, where industries are growing at breakneck speed with little consideration for the environment.

Source: South China Morning Post