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17 convicted in China for attacking demolition squads
Seventeen people were sentenced to varied prison terms by a Chinese court for attacking officials who came to demolish their houses, a scenario which has become all too familiar in the country in recent years.
Seventeen people were sentenced to varied prison terms by a Chinese court for attacking officials who came to demolish their houses, a scenario which has become all too familiar in the country in recent years.
The 17 people were found guilty by a district court in Lanzhou city of beating, clubbing, and hurling bricks to prevent about 20 officers who tried to demolish a makeshift construction they considered illegal in Lanzhou on July 26.
Nine officers were hospitalised with head and chest injuries, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday.
The attackers were arrested on August 22 and charged with violently obstructing law enforcement on September 16, court officials said.
Their jail terms ranged from three to six months.
None of them appealed the sentences, according to the officials.
In China, there have been many cases in recent years of homeowners, property developers, and law enforcers fighting over demolition plans and compensation payouts.
Forced home demolitions with suspected official misconduct have also been reported.
