Authorities in Beijing went to forcibly demolish a residential district with dozens of households. About 500 police officers armed with riot shields were sent to evict residents on Thursday.
According to Chinese media, the residents were given eviction notices and were cut off from utilities such as gas. The authorities said the houses were illegally built.
But Ms. Liao, a Beijing citizen, told us the owners had bought the land and built the houses in accordance with the relevant policies, laws, and regulations. The houses had been there for many decades. She said the government is irresponsible to citizens.
“People have lived here for many years, decades, and then you suddenly say that they have violated the law. You’re demolishing such an elegant courtyard and buildings,” she said.