Protests simmered in Shanghai early on Sunday, as residents in several Chinese cities, many of them angered by a deadly fire in the country's far west, pushed back against heavy COVID-19 curbs nearly three years into the pandemic.
A fire on Thursday that killed 10 people in a high-rise building in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang region, has sparked widespreadas many internet users surmised that residents could not escape in time because the building was partially locked down, which city officials denied.
At one point a large group began shouting, “Down with the Chinese Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping, free Urumqi!”, according to witnesses and videos, in a rare public protest against the Chinese leadership.China is battling a surge in infections that has prompted lockdowns and other restrictions in cities across the country as Beijing adheres to a zero-COVID policy even as much of the world tries to coexist with the coronavirus.
Some social media users posted screenshots of street signs for Wulumuqi Road, both to evade censors and show support for protesters in Shanghai. Others shared comments or posts calling for all of “you brave young people” to be careful. Many included advice on what to do if police came or started arresting people during a protest or vigil.Shanghai's 25 million people were put under lockdown for two months earlier this year, an ordeal that provoked anger and protest.
On Friday night, crowds took to the streets of Urumqi, chanting "End the lockdown!" and pumping their fists in the air after the deadly fire, according to videos circulated on Chinese social media.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Shanghai COVID-19 Rules Dim China Luxury Market OutlookThe Shanghai government’s announcement Tuesday of a policy that requires new arrivals in the city to stay away from public places for five days is likely to put even more pressure on the local luxury retail market.
Read more »
China Xinjiang: Urumqi rocked by Covid lockdown protests after deadly fireUrumqi residents confronted officials amid claims Covid restrictions stopped people escaping a blaze.
Read more »
Protests erupt in China over COVID lockdown restrictionsPublic outrage over new COVID lockdown restrictions has fueled rare protests within China, with residents demanding the government to lift restrictions ahead of schedule. Crowds marched on the streets, chanting 'End the lockdown!'
Read more »