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Gang members in Weng'an get up to 20 years in jail

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-09-14 14:48

Members of two Guizhou criminal gangs have been sentenced in the Weng'an county court, the Guizhou Daily reported.

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The 34 suspects were found guilty of various charges relating to organized crime, including assault, blackmail, fraud, organization of illegal gambling, and illegal possession of guns, which have caused great damage to private and public properties.

They were given sentences ranging from one to 20 years in jail.

Among the 34 people sentenced, 23 were involved in the June 28 violent unrest in Weng'an, where they prompted teenagers to take part in the violent activities.

A huge protest involving up to 30,000 people broke out in Weng'an on June 28, sparked by rumors about the death of a teenage girl. The protest turned violent and caused injuries to more than 150 police and protestors. About 160 offices and more than 40 vehicles were torched.