Thousands of residents in China rioted on the streets of big cities and university campuses. They protested against Chinese authorities in order to gain more freedom and avoid COVID tests/lockdowns. But, the main reason was to decrease the extreme censorship and the Communist Party’s views on life.
The Chants
The younger generation inspired other protesters to repeatedly say that they “Want freedom.”
“Give me liberty or give me death,” crowds also chanted. This was said across many different cities, as revealed by videos making an appearance around the web. They also rooted for the right to free expression, democracy, the legal system, and civil rights, along with other political demands.
Although rallies in many areas of China seem to have been distributed in a peaceful manner over the weekend, a few were faced with a harsher reaction from law enforcement.
Leaked Video
People in Hazmat suits and police in riot gear encountered workers who were marching in the video. Extensive monitoring and security were strengthened in many cities by security. People broke security cameras and windows with sticks.
What People Are Saying
“I think in a just society, no one should be criminalized for their speech. There shouldn’t be only one voice in our society — we need a variety of voices,” a Beijing protester said while joining a march holding a sheet of paper.
James Melville a commentator and pundit tweeted, “The mass protests breaking out across China against the draconian lockdowns are both courageous and historic. The people have had enough. Authoritarianism never ends well. History has taught us that. The Chinese protestors are creating their own history.”
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated to fellow reporters, “Protests against the Chinese government are rare. And so when they do happen, I think it’s worth us taking note, but more importantly, I think it’s incumbent on the Chinese government to take notice of its own people.”
Written By: Alexis Medina
Source:
CNN: At the heart of China’s protests against zero-Covid, young people cry for freedom
CNN: Rare protests are spreading across China. Here’s what you need to know
BBC: Security tightened in China after widespread Covid protests
Twitter: @JamesMelville
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of warutledge Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Images Courtesy of Mandy Jansen Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
