Changping bans violent evictions

Changping bans violent evictions

• Source: Global Times
• [09:20 March 16 2011]
• Comments

By Fang Yunyu

Extreme eviction measures adopted by demolition crews, including cutting off water or electricity, clogging drains and throwing stones, will be strictly forbidden in Changping district, according to local authorities Tuesday.

"Public security will fine or even punish demolition companies who are found to use violence to coerce residents into moving," Xiao Qian, spokeswoman of the Changping government told the Global Times.

Xiao said the policy took effect Tuesday and would help protect homeowners' rights.

The regulation stipulates that any demolition company can only take on a maximum of three projects a year, and that crews reported to use violence, sabotage or verbal abuse three times will have their business license revoked for three years.

"The regulation seems to be wellintended," said Wang Cailiang, a property lawyer at the Beijing Cailiang Law Firm, "but it's not!"

Since demolition companies are paid per job, authorities can't simply require them to give up their trade's "shortcuts" and leave it up to them to figure out gentler ways, he said.

"Governments also have something to gain from allowing crews to use violent eviction methods," he said.

The city profited a total 163.85 billion yuan ($24.9 billion) in land sales last year, accounting for 69.61 percent of the municipal government's total fiscal revenue, according to official statistics.

"I didn't want to move but they cut my TV cable, clogged our drains and threw stones at my house during the night," said a resident surnamed Ma, who previously lived on Youanmen Dajie, Xicheng district and was relocated in early January.

Demolition projects fall under two categories: municipal and commercial.

"For municipal projects, the government and residents must ultimately reach an agreement," explained Wang.

"But commercial projects are like a business deal. If residents refuse to sell their houses, developers can't force them to," he added.