12,000+ successfully protest, shut down chemical plant in China
Authorities in a Chinese city ordered the immediate shutdown of a chemical plant on Sunday as thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding the plant be moved due to toxic pollution, showing the world the power the people hold through protest.
The demonstration by an estimated 12,000 residents hit the northeastern city of Dalian. They gathered in front of the municipal government’s office on Sunday morning. Some scuffled with riot police.
Hundreds of people then broke off and started moving to other parts of the city, chanting slogans and waving banners.
The local chemical plant produces paraxylene, a toxic material used as a raw material for the production of plastics. Calls to relocate the plant intensified after a tropical storm broke a dam protecting the plant last week, raising fears of toxic leaks.
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