Land Protester Dies in Custody in Guangdong, China

A man accused of participating in protests in southern China, Xue Jinbo, has died in custody. Xue allegedly was in the riot on September 21st, when residents in Wukang village smashed up a police station and other government buildings. They were protesting forced land seizures by local authorities.

According to a statement by the Shanwei City government in Guangdong Province, Xue was rushed to the hospital after feeling ill on the third day of detention. He later died of what they say was cardiac failure.

Villagers say Xue’s appearance after he died was too horrible to look at, suggesting he had been beaten in custody.

[Mr. Cai, Wukan Villager]:
“His face was deformed and his body was scarred all over. Right now the government will not allow the corpse to be taken back to the village. They fear this being exposed to the public. They don’t allow photos either. They won’t even allow you to take a cell phone in to see (his body).”

Xue was arrested on December 9th with several other protesters.

[Mr. Cai, Wukan Villager]:
“They didn’t show any ID, they were all plainclothes police. They didn’t even arrive in police cars. Forty people rushed in, they were arrested. The one who was beaten to death was the temporary representative.”

On December 11th over 1000 riot police entered the village before daybreak, villagers faced them in broad daylight. The police carried tear gas and water cannons to deal with any protests. The village is currently under lockdown by police.

NTD tried to contact local authorities about the issue but got no response.