No democracy: Chinese police block the campaign of independent candidates
Democrat Depue, and candidate Wang Xiuzhen arrested. Under law anyone can stand for local elections, but the Communist Party selects candidates. The independents bring to light the injustices and violence of the system.
Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Beijing police has blocked the election campaign of 13 independent candidates, arresting one candidate and sequestering an advocate and activist. It is the second time in a week that the police have tried to stop the independent candidates campaign for the districts and counties, especially if they are linked to pro-democracy activists.
Police yesterday seized He Depue, former founder of the China Democratic Party (in the '90s), he was helping some candidates. In addition, the police surrounded the home of one of the candidates, Wang Xiuzhen, not allowing other 13 candidates to gather in her house. Wang was first isolated in one part of the building, then taken to an unknown location.
Under Chinese law, every five years representatives of districts and counties are elected.
From May 2011 until December 2012, about 2 million representatives in more than 30 thousand cities and counties in 2000 should be elected.
People can run in the elections once they are 18 years and over, provided they are supported by at least 10 voters. In reality, the candidates are selected by the Communist Party.
Beijing fears "independent" candidates because they would focus on people's problems, bringing them within decision-making structures, problems such as pollution, seizures, injustice.
Ju Hongyi, for example, has registered as an independent candidate, despite being ill with cancer. "I'm not afraid - he said - I have endured more than 10 years of persecution. They stole my home, my property and my father died. I myself have cancer and I do not care about anything at this point: I’m trying to do some good with the time I have left to live. "
Police yesterday seized He Depue, former founder of the China Democratic Party (in the '90s), he was helping some candidates. In addition, the police surrounded the home of one of the candidates, Wang Xiuzhen, not allowing other 13 candidates to gather in her house. Wang was first isolated in one part of the building, then taken to an unknown location.
Under Chinese law, every five years representatives of districts and counties are elected.
From May 2011 until December 2012, about 2 million representatives in more than 30 thousand cities and counties in 2000 should be elected.
People can run in the elections once they are 18 years and over, provided they are supported by at least 10 voters. In reality, the candidates are selected by the Communist Party.
Beijing fears "independent" candidates because they would focus on people's problems, bringing them within decision-making structures, problems such as pollution, seizures, injustice.
Ju Hongyi, for example, has registered as an independent candidate, despite being ill with cancer. "I'm not afraid - he said - I have endured more than 10 years of persecution. They stole my home, my property and my father died. I myself have cancer and I do not care about anything at this point: I’m trying to do some good with the time I have left to live. "
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