Voice of America has an update to this CDT post from December on live-in protester Lu Daren, who was hired by the managers of the “Fish Castle” restaurant to prevent its destruction by wrecking crews:
Unidentified men came by and roughed Lu up, leaving him bruised and bleeding. He says he and his boss thought violence was possible.
Lu says his boss gave him accidental life insurance and also agreed to pay a settlement on top of his salary if something unexpected happens… The Fish Castle issue was resolved, after a month-long standoff. Both parties agreed to discuss higher compensation. Lu was paid for his work, but the end of that job may be the beginning of a new career.
Lu says he is certain that in the near future, there will still be a need for the kind of services he provides. He says the nail house problem is leftover from history and will still exist because the government has not taken steps to resolve it.
Businessmen have contacted Lu about starting a company offering anti-demolition services. Chinese media reports also say a film director is interested in telling his story.
