China: Student-police clashes
Violent clashes between students and police forces broke out in China, after a student was beaten by police
Hundreds of students clashed violently with police and set cars on fire in central China after a female student was beaten by police. The incidents, which erupted on Wednesday afternoon, involved about 1,000 students from various schools in the city of Sengsu in Henan Province, according to the Center for Human Rights and Democracy Information.
A police official confirmed the incidents. "Many students revolted last night. The situation was rather serious," said Wang. "The police were forced to send reinforcements," he added, adding that the case was being investigated. It is not yet known why the student was beaten by police. According to the local newspaper Dahe News, six officials were detained for failing to curb the incidents, while five students were arrested. The episode has added to a series of unrest in recent months in the country.
The widening gap between rich and poor, corruption and abuse of power have sparked a number of protests in China, despite Beijing's efforts to maintain a climate of stability. Episodes often break out for trivial reasons. Student mobilizations are a particularly sensitive political issue, especially in light of the recent anniversary of the events in Tiananmen Square.
