Closer Look: Farmer's Death Shows Problem with Land Seizures, Lack of Checks on Power

(Beijing) – The killing of a farmer in a village in the eastern province of Shandong has shed light on two issues at the heart of land disputes in China: illegal acquisitions and a lack of checks on local government power.

Geng Fulin, 62, died on March 21 after the head of Dujiatuan Village and the boss of a building company allegedly told five others to torch a tent Geng and others set up in protest against a land seizure. Three other farmers were hurt in the fire, two critically. Authorities said on April 3 they arrested the seven suspects.