(May 13, 2002) A number of Chinese intellectuals have written an open letter condemning the shooting of villagers who were protesting the seizure of land for a power plant in Guangdong province.

(Excerpt)

A number of Chinese intellectuals have written an open letter condemning the shooting of protesters in the south. Paramilitary police last week opened fire on villagers protesting over the seizure of land for a power plant in Dongzhou, Guangdong province. The government has said three people were killed while villagers say that up to 20 were shot dead. The bold letter draws parallels with the violent suppression of protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

BBC News Online, May 13, 2002