From Chinese Press

Forcible eviction unjustifiable

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-19 07:56

A recent online article on the Yihuang eviction said China's urbanization was not possible without forcible eviction. Though the wish for development and the pressure some local officials face in China's modernization drive are understandable, neither of them can be an excuse for forcible eviction, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

Eviction may be inevitable on the road to China's urbanization. But any attempt to justify forcible eviction runs counter to the true spirit of economic development. Evictions should be carried out for public good, and should be based on the premise of fair compensation.

Some local officials may value construction projects and new, dazzling structures, but it is more important to improve the quality of people's life and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests if we want economic development to be balanced. Economic development will become meaningless if it goes against people's wish and interests, and grants some officials the power to abuse civil rights, social equality and media supervision.

Economic development is all about public interest. That's why so many people and even some officials have appealed to stop forcible evictions.

Any country that respects the rule of law will seek legal help in case of a conflict. But some local governments think "law does not always have immediate effects" and use unlawful means, which includes forcible evictions, to meet their development ends.

The author of the online article should reflect on his own views. When some local officials give law a silent burial, how can common people trust the law?

Since China's urbanization drive is not going to stop, we should make sustainable development part of our economic growth project. Economic development should not violate equality or justice.

                                                  (China Daily 10/19/2010 page9)