Situation basically under control in Urumqi: deputy mayor

2009-09-05 09:46 BJT

Special Report: 7.5 Xinjiang Urumqi Riots |

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A senior government official says the situation in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has been brought under control. He made the statement late Friday, after residents took to the streets the previous two days to protest against hypodermic syringe attacks.

Executive Deputy Mayor Zhang Hong said there were no major demonstrations in the city on Friday, one day after massive protests left five people dead. Small crowds gathered on Friday, but soon dispersed. A spree of syringe attacks carried out since August 20th has resulted in panic and resentment by the public.

Several suspects were caught Wednesday while attempting more assaults. Investigations say the captured syringe attackers are ethnic Uygurs while their victims were Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities. By Thursday, more than 531 people had been hospitalized after being stabbed.

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Uncertainty stalks Urumqi residents after needle stabbings 2009-09-04
Urumqi syringe attacks raise crowds' indignation 2009-09-04
Urumqi quiets down after protest against syringe attacks 2009-09-04

Deputy Mayor of Urumqi Zhang Hong speaks during a news conference
in Urumqi, capital city of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur
Autonomous Region, Sept. 4, 2009. Zhang Hong said on Friday the
situation was basically under control in the city.(Xinhua/Zhao Ge)