Two Guangzhou-based activists and at least one petitioner were detained on Saturday and interrogated over their roles in allegedly illegal pro-Cantonese and anti-Japanese protests.
One activist was placed under detention for 15 days and the other for 10 days, prompting fears the local authorities are stepping up clampdowns on such activities ahead of the Asian Games. The games will run from November 12 to 27.
Xiao Yong , a civil rights activist originally from Hunan , was picked up at 4am at the Guangzhou Railway Station after arriving from Wuxi, Jiangsu .
The other activist, Zheng Chuangtian , and the petitioner, Cui Minyi , were taken away together near Huanghuagang Park on Saturday around 1pm after attending a public forum. Cui was released around nine hours later, but Zheng remained in custody last night.
The detentions came after information circulated online about a pro-Cantonese gathering near Exit A of the Gongyuanqian subway station. However, the gathering did not take place.
Cui said several police vehicles had been tailing her and Zheng before they were taken to the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau's Yuexin district station.