Police in Chengdu recently detained six local residents for posting Internet articles and demonstrating against a major petrochemical project, according to Sichuan News Online.
Several local residents posted articles on a number of Chinese Internet forums opposing the project, saying that it would lead to serious air and water pollution. They also organized a demonstration for the cause, in which about 200 people participated earlier this month.
The Police Department of the southwestern city announced the arrest and punishment at a press conference Saturday, translated by CDT:
The police took custody of Wu Xin for spreading rumors and instigating unrest through the Internet. Under Article 25 of the Public Security Administrative Regulations of P.R.C., he will be detained for ten days as punishment.
The police arrested Jianhua Shi and Yong Lin for participating in an illegal demonstration and assembly. They will be held in custody for five days under the Demonstration and Assembly Act of P.R.C.
The police also issued warnings to Cheng Guo and Xiaobin Fan, who disseminated harmful information on the Internet, under the Internet Security Protection regulations.
Daojun Chen was arrested as a criminal suspect for creating various rumors about the Sichuan Chemical Project and for intending to overthrow the government. He would be charged under Article 103 of the Criminal Act of P.R.C.
The police are trying to seize two other persons suspected of instigating unrest and organizing ilegal demonstrations.
The police seriously urge people to be aware of national laws and regulations and to observe them, not to create or disseminate rumors through the Internet or through cell phone text messages, otherwise the police will carry out strict monitoring and control mechanisms.
The police severely warn those who intend to disturb social stability by instigating unrest and organizing illegal assemblies to stop their criminal activities.
See also “China: Officials Fight Opposition to Chengdu Plant” from the New York Times.
