BEIJING: A rare protest criticizing President Xi Jinping and China’s Covid restrictions has taken place in Beijing, days before a historic Communist Party congress.
According to multiple media reports, social media users posted pictures and videos of two protest banners on a bridge in the northwest of the city, which were swiftly removed by the authorities. A protester shouting slogans was also arrested from the spot.
Rare protest in center of Beijing, China against the communist party. One man displayed banners and shouted slogans against Xi Jinping, he was arrested.
China was quick to removed all signs of protest from their social media and internet. pic.twitter.com/ZwfWMOr4TP
— The Poll Lady (@ThePollLady) October 14, 2022
The protest banner reads Food, not Covid tests, Reform, not Cultural Revolution, Freedom not lockdown, Votes, not leaders, Dignity, not lies, Citizens not minions.
除了挂横幅，还用喇叭播放，勇气可嘉，新时代的坦克人。应该是自焚了。 pic.twitter.com/hBBuZpGQba
— 方舟子 (@fangshimin) October 13, 2022
Authorities later started hiring workers to watch bridges to prevent protesters from hanging banners or playing loudspeakers to protest against Xi Jinping. The salary is 320 yuan (46＄ dollars) a day.
Authorities have tightened access to the city, shutting out many travelers, returning residents, and deliveries. Others had their movement restricted or were forced to quarantine.
