BERKELEY, Calif.—Hundreds of people held a candlelight vigil at UC Berkeley’s iconic Sather Gate on Nov. 28 to mourn the people who died after being locked in a burning building in China.
Vigil attendees also protested against the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) extreme COVID-19 lockdown policies, which many have blamed for the fire tragedy.
Holding flowers, candles, banners, and white papers, protesters called for an end to the “zero-COVID policy” in China. Under the CCP’s policies, people have been forcibly locked in their homes.
“The doors are locked due to the zero-COVID policy, which is ridiculous. I think that’s the voice from hell,” Northern California resident Emma told The Epoch Times.
On Nov. 24, in Xinjiang Province’s capital, Urumqi, at least 10 people died in a burning building that was under COVID-related lockdowns and blockades. First responders were unable to reach the apartment fire, which was left to burn for hours, killing the people inside.
The deaths sparked widespread protests throughout China. People in the United States and other countries are holding vigils and protests to show solidarity and support for the protesters in China.
Emma said that when she watched the video, she cried, and she has had nightmares in the past week.
“Not only because of this fire, I see too many tragedies in China that are happening right now,” Emma said. “The government still didn’t reveal to the public how many people actually died, not because of COVID, but due to their ridiculous zero-COVID policy.”
The CCP regularly suppresses any sign of open dissent, including by banning certain phrases and slogans from social media. In response, Chinese citizens now use blank sheets of white paper as a sign of protest.
“We should be here to support protesters in China,” Emma said. “They are more brave and courageous than us because they are risking their whole life to go in the street shouting their slogans and tell the government what they want. ... There’s an obligation for us to support those who are protesting in China. We want them to know they are not alone; there are people listening to them; there are people supporting them.”
“If we do not stand up and do something, we can be the next,” UC Berkeley alumni Andrew told The Epoch Times.
Andrew has family members in China who are experiencing lockdown. He said that even if there is just a little chance of having his voice be heard, he should let people know that there are still people trying to fight back against terrorist regimes.
He said speaking out is the first step.
“I think we’re going towards a bigger goal that we want to achieve,” he said.
The protesters in mainland China are currently facing suppression and arrests. Police officers and SWAT teams have been sent to cities including Shanghai and Urumqi.
UC Berkeley student Liu said in Mandarin that he is no longer afraid. He said that we must stop the CCP from violating our rights, before there are no rights left to fight for.
“This is our last chance, or no one can stop the Chinese government,” Liu told The Epoch Times. “We love and support our motherland, but we do not necessarily have to support the regime.”
