Several arrests as Kunming protest over petrochemical plant ends
Hundreds gathered outside government offices on Thursday morning to protest against plans for a petrochemical plant, in the second major public display against the project. A Post staff reporter was at the scene.
Updated 5.32pm: Only 20 people are left at the scene. More than 100 police have cordoned off the street and the area where the dialogue with the mayor took place. Mayor Li answered about 15 questions from the crowd before he disappeared into a military building nearby. One source confirms the arrest of at least one person.
Updated 5.28pm: Eight protesters left their contact details with the mayor's staff.
Updated 5.22pm: He says several friends could not attend the rally today, because they were instructed by their community committees not to go. He says he had also been warned, but ignored it, because he is not afraid of the police and is only seeking to peacefully express his ideas.
Updated 5.20pm: "I hope this can be a good beginning for a dialogue between citizens and the government on major decisions," says a 24-year-old man who calls himself Eddie. He is among the few who left their contact details with the mayor's staff.
Updated 5.16pm: Some protesters who left scene when the mayor was still talking said they don't have faith in the government. They say that the government was only interested in maintaining stability before the China-South Asia Expo will start on June 6. They said the mayor evaded questions on whether the refinery project would go ahead.
