Knife Attack in Xian Over Housing Demolition Dispute

By chinafreepress.org (translation)
Aug 7, 2009 – 8:12:56 AM

Boxun reports that Xian’s Lianhu District targeted a city area for corporate redevelopment. In June 2009, before any compensation agreement had been signed, demolition of residences began. The houses in the area were reduced to rubble.

On Wednesday August 5 at 10 a.m., the residents whose houses had been torn down waited at the demolition office hoping to speak to an official in charge. But they waited until 3:30 p.m. Finally an official named Bao Tao came out to speak to them. This man has had long relations with organized crime elements. Bao Tao said to one of the female villagers “Leave here, don’t hang around the demolition office.” But the villagers refused to leave. He then made a phone call, and promised that an official would come and talk to the villagers.

But at 4:10 p.m., a gang of hooligans arrived with knives and cleavers and attacked the villagers. Several of the villagers were injured.

Full Chinese report: http://news.boxun.com/news/gb/china/2009/08/200908071405.shtml