Displaced Protesters Fight Urban Developers in Taipei

A residential development in Taipei -- which was meant to spur urban renewal in the area, but has been stalled for more than three years -- caused a violent clash between protestors and construction workers over the weekend. Following the demolition of their two houses, the Wang family and others against the development have been camped out on the site, which is being cleared to make way for a new apartment complex.

The dispute occurred after the construction company, Le Young Construction Co, arrived to the site to remove debris. The protesters grew angry and "pushed and shoved the construction workers, accusing them of trespassing on private property." The construction workers provided paperwork stating that they were sent by the government to clean the site, but the Construction Management Office denies issuing the documents. "Amid the clashes, a member of the Urban Renewal Victims' Alliance, surnamed Kuo (郭), accused construction workers of pushing him and tearing his pants, while police stood by."

"The Taipei City Government has been criticized over its handling of the project", writes Yan-chih, having "evicted the Wang family in March, despite ongoing protests." The government agreed to support negotiations between the construction company and the Wang family, but so far no agreements have been reached.