Chinese protest against incinerator plant turns violent
Residents of Lubu take to the streets to demand permanent halt to project they fear will contaminate drinking water
Violence erupted on Sunday after more than 10,000 protesters filled the streets of a township in Guangdong to oppose official plans to build an incinerator.
Protesters from a dozen villages in Lubu township under the administration of Zhaoqing demonstrated in Lubu’s main street and a national highway for about six hours, demanding the authorities scrap the plans, fearing the plant, which would also generate power, would contaminate a nearby drinking water source.
Armed with batons, shields, guns and pepper spray, about 4,000 police officers, including paramilitary police and SWAT teams, were deployed to contain the protest, witnesses said.
Footage posted on social media appeared to show police using their batons to hit protesters crouching on the ground or against a wall.
Residents said the confrontation took place at around noon in fields opposite the township government’s offices.
A 23-year-old protester, who declined to give his full name, said residents wanted to express their opposition through peaceful protest and did not expect the situation to turn violent.
