2008 Longnan riot

2008 Longnan riot
DateNovember 17, 2008 (2008-11-17)
LocationLongnan, Gansu, People's Republic of China
Casualties
74 injured[1]

The 2008 Longnan riot was a protest that turned into a riot involving thousands of people in Longnan, Gansu, People's Republic of China.

Cause

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The state media did not explain the source of the unrest, though local residents said many protesters were angered by the government's decision to transfer its offices to a wealthier city.[2] Residents in Longnan said the disturbances there were fueled by economic distress, unchecked corruption and a lack of transparency by the local Communist Party.[2]

Riot

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A crowd of about 1,000 - 2,000 people attacked a government office in northwest Gansu province, smashing cars and beating up police and officials.[3][4] The crowd eventually grew to 10,000 according to some sources.[4] Armed police officers from the provincial capital used tear gas to subdue the rioters.[4]

Aftermath

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Damages are estimated at more than five million yuan (US$731,000).[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Sinodaily. "Sinodaily." China arrests 30 over riots in northwest: govt. Retrieved on 2008-11-23.
  2. ^ a b International Herald Tribune. "IHT.com." Rioters attack government offices in northwest China. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  3. ^ RTHK. "RTHK Archived 2011-06-05 at the Wayback Machine." Dozens injured in Gansu riot. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  4. ^ a b c NYTimes. "NYTimes." Thousands Battle Police in China’s Northwest. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.