CHANGSHA, HUNAN, CHINA – SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 Shocking incident related to forced land expropriation occurred, which has long been a controversial issue in China. Local resident He Zhihua repeatedly tried to seek compensation for damage caused by highway construction near his home, because the elevated roadway damaged surrounding properties and drainage. However, authorities refused to address his complaints for a long time.
During a heated argument at the construction site, He Zhihua got into a conflict with a local official responsible for the project. The situation escalated so much that the man lay down in front of a running road roller and challenged those present to run him over if they dared. Shortly afterward, he was run over by the roller and brutally killed on the spot.
The incident caused enormous outrage among local residents, especially due to claims that the death was not a tragic accident, but the result of the authorities’ reckless actions. Subsequent intervention by police and security forces, who tried to take the body despite resistance from the family, further escalated the situation.
