A fire that killed 10 and injured 9 in China's northwest Xinjiang region has spurred an outpouring of anger at the country's zero-Covid policy, with online users blaming the strict measures for hampering rescue attempts
Some videos appeared to show crowds of people taking to the streets of Urumqi to protest against the measures.
AFP journalists were able to verify the videos by geolocating local landmarks, but were unable to specify when exactly the protests occurred. Urumqi mayor Maimaitiming Kade offered a rare formal apology for the blaze at the briefing, according to the broadcaster. But officials also pushed back against some of the online allegations, denying that residents' doors had been clamped shut with iron wiring.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Protests break out in China against COVID-19 lockdowns after deadly fire kills 10Protests broke out in Xinjiang, China, over the country's draconian lockdown measures after they contributed to a deadly fire that killed 10.
Read more »
China’s Xinjiang Region Has Been Locked Down for Months, Casting Shadow Over Zero-Covid EasingLocal governments in the region have described the lockdowns as temporary and targeted, but accounts from residents and travelers suggest they have been widespread.
Read more »
XBB variant's arrival won't cause a new deadly COVID surge, officials hopeThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it is now tracking a new COVID-19 variant of concern around the U.S. known as XBB, which has grown to make up over 3% of new infections nationwide.
Read more »
As anger rises and tragedies mount, China shows no sign of budging on zero-Covid | CNNZhou, an auto dealer in northeastern China, last saw his father alive in a video chat on the afternoon of November 1, hours after their home on the far outskirts of Beijing was locked down.
Read more »
Daily COVID-19 cases in China reach record high despite strict lockdown measuresChina reached a record number of daily COVID-19 cases, exceeding 30,000 this week for the first time ever despite the country's strict lockdown measures.
Read more »
As COVID cases rise, China locks down despite criticismThe restrictions are at the heart of the unrest in China as the country grapples with a rising number of infections after years of quarantine policies
Read more »