Protests in China: Demonstrators call for Xi's resignation - "We want freedom!"

Created: 2022-11-27 09:27

By: Teresa Toth

In China, frustration with the strict zero-Covid policy is increasing.

At protests in Shanghai, numerous people are demanding the resignation of President Xi.

Shanghai – In China, numerous people are again taking to the streets to protest against the ongoing corona measures.

The protests were triggered by a deadly fire in the Chinese city of Urumqi.

Now the people of China are demanding the resignation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a withdrawal of the Communist Party.

The Chinese state and party leadership continues to adhere to a strict zero-Covid policy and is tackling outbreaks with lockdowns, mass testing, exit restrictions and travel bans.

After ten people died in a high-rise fire on Thursday (November 24), people in China accused the authorities of having obstructed the rescue of residents with their lockdown orders.

Protests in China: commemoration of fatalities develops into a huge demonstration

Hundreds of people gathered in Shanghai on Saturday (November 26) to hold candles and signs to mourn the dead.

During the night of Sunday, the rally developed into a large protest - more and more people joined, so that finally more than 1000 people demonstrated together against the strict corona measures.

Several people are said to have been taken away by the police at the protests in Shanghai for an unknown reason.

© Uncredited/dpa

In videos that circulated on Chinese online networks, demonstrators chanted "We want freedom!" Many also directed their anger at President Xi Jinping.

"Xi Jinping!" a man in the crowd shouted repeatedly, to which some replied, "Stand back!"

Such slogans are particularly noteworthy given that there is no freedom of speech or freedom of the press in China.

People who express criticism of China's policies and leader risk arrest.

Protests against zero Covid policy in China: "It feels powerful"

The spreading discontent could test Xi's efforts to uphold his tough coronavirus policy.

“I feel like everyone can raise their voice loud and clear.

It feels powerful,” James Yu, a Shanghai resident, describes

the protests in an interview with

"I felt like I could finally say what I always wanted to say," said Kira Yao, another protester.

Lockdowns, closures of entire cities and closures of businesses are putting a massive strain on the economy and people's everyday lives and are leading to increasing frustration.

There was even a food shortage during a two-month lockdown this year.

In addition to Shanghai, people in other cities in the country are also protesting against China's zero-Covid policy.

Protests in Shanghai: Authorities in China delete posts on the Internet

In the capital Beijing, for example, residents in some apartment blocks resisted closures.

In the city of Nanjing in the east of the country, students protested on their campus against the strict corona measures and in the city of Zhengzhou there were days of sometimes violent protests in the country's largest iPhone factory.

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But the authorities in China are taking quick action against the protests.

As the

news agency reports, according to a source, there were several small clashes with law enforcement officials in Shanghai.

The police took some people away for an unknown reason.

After footage emerged after the protests, the authorities deleted posts and discussions related to the rallies.

(tt)