Stop forced demolitions

The recent conviction of a government official for abuse of power in a forced demolition case has triggered debate on whether a national crackdown is in the offing with regard to similar cases.

The official was deputy head of a city district in Fuyang, in east China's Anhui province, and was sentenced to 11 years behind bars for his role in a demolition case in which a local resident committed suicide.

On May 26, the State Council issued an urgent circular on the issue. The document stipulates that authorities must use only lawful means to demolish accommodation, pay reasonable compensation to displaced residents and make plans to relocate such householders.