At least five more people detained over Huizhou incinerator protest
Arrests follow weekend demonstrations involving thousands calling for project to be scrapped
At least five people were detained by police on Sunday in Huizhou in Guangdong for allegedly spreading false information online to "incite" protests against a waste incinerator project.
The detentions follow demonstrations on the weekend that saw thousands take to the streets in Boluo county demanding the authorities scrap the project, which would process 2,600 tonnes of rubbish a day. The public consultation process ended yesterday.
Since Saturday, the local public security bureau had taken away 32 people for investigation on suspicion of spreading rumours or disturbing public order and causing trouble. Twenty-one remained in detention.
Several local residents said they received messages saying the municipal government had approved a peaceful demonstration for this coming Saturday.
But the county's authorities released a brief statement on Sunday night denying it had given such permission.
Many local residents said they would take to the streets on Saturday, no matter what the authorities' position was.