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Police announce four-month crackdown on gangs

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-03 00:14

WENG'AN  -- Police in southwestern China's Guizhou Province on Wednesday announced a four-month crackdown on gangs who were accused of inciting violence over a teenager's death.

Luo Yi, police chief of Qiannan prefecture, which administers Weng'an County, scene of violent protests on Saturday, said the crackdown would "target gangs and criminal elements in Weng'an and its neighboring areas".

Police would also investigate the illegal possession of guns and explosives, gambling, and other organized criminal activities, he said.

Luo said Saturday's violence was "fanned and exacerbated by local gangs and criminals, who were organized in sending gasoline, machetes, clubs and fireworks to aid the destruction".

Up to 30,000 people were involved in the protest, which was prompted by the controversial police report into the death of 17-year-old Li Shufen. Police concluded she drowned, but her family and relatives contend she was raped and killed.

The protest turned violent and rioters mobbed government office buildings. More than 150 police and protesters were injured, but no deaths were reported. About 160 offices and more than 40 vehicles were torched.

Police believe 134 people committed the destruction, and later took 59 people into custody. Sixteen of them are in police detention.

Luo said Li's death was an ordinary civil case, and the gangs "made efforts to fan the flames".

A third autopsy was completed before Li's remains were buried Wednesday afternoon, and the results are yet to be published.