China: Farmer mowed down and killed after protesting land seizure

Farmer killed in China after protesting force acquisition of his land China Aid

A farmer in China who resisted the seizure of his land has been killed, the Christian human rights organisation China Aid reports.

The farmer stood in front of a front-loader vehicle to try and stop contractors building a road across his land.

The vehicle was then driven into and over the famer, who lost his life, according to China Aid.

Social media posts that have since been deleted described how the man's property was seized and a team of builders sent to construct a road over it. 

"Officially, the state claims the death was caused by a faulty operation of machine and says it is investigating the situation, but internet users allege that it was intentional," said China Aid. "Most social media posts related to the incident have been deleted, leaving little information on the event."

One person wrote on social media: "Is the government any different than bandits?" 

China Aid drew comparisons with an earlier incident two years ago, when a demolition team hired by the government beat and trampled on protesters.

Peng Shengbin, a local resident facing forced relocation, told China Aid that the demolition team kidnapped his wife on March 22, 2014: "They kicked her and beat her. My wife kowtowed to them, saying 'Don't kill me! We don't have any money!' They grabbed her hair and shoved her against the car. Afterwards, they abducted my wife and took her to a hotel."

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.