Protests and Arrests Erupt in China

Mass protests are taking place in cities across China against the country’s "zero-tolerance" policy regarding the coronavirus pandemic, reports the radio station "Svoboda." The Chinese authorities have announced strict lockdowns in areas where COVID-19 cases have been identified.

The protests were triggered by a fire in the city of Urumqi that killed 10 people, who were unable to escape their apartments due to the lockdown. Beginning in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, with Urumqi as its capital, the demonstrations have spread to numerous major cities and universities in China.

Initially, the protesters demanded the lifting of the lockdowns. Now in Shanghai, demonstrators are chanting slogans calling for the resignation of President Xi Jinping and a complete overhaul of the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

The police are dispersing the gatherings and carrying out arrests.