Environment Protest in Taiwan Turns Violent
2/6/97
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Headline: Environment Protest in Taiwan Turns Violent
Source: CNN
c 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
Date: 2/6/97
Copyright 1997 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved
Environment protest in Taiwan turns violent
February 6, 1997
CHANGHUA, Taiwan (Reuter) -- In Taiwan, more than 1,000 angry villagers
hurled eggs and clashed with police on Tuesday in one of the island's most
violent disputes over environmental protection.
The protesters, in central Changhua County, clashed with riot police while
trying to force their way into a government building to protest a
decision allowing construction of a pulp mill in their tiny fishing
village.
State-funded television showed graphic footage of the confrontation
between protesters and a large police force wielding riot shields and
sticks.
Ten police officers and five protesters were injured in the melee, but
were later reported to be in a stable condition in hospital.
The villagers believe the pulp mill will pollute surrounding waters,
destroying the fishery and their livelihoods.
A government official said negotiations with local residents would
continue in an effort to resolve the dispute.