Calls for democracy, freedom rattle China

The ripple effect generated by the ''Jasmine Revolution'' that toppled the regime of president Zine El Abdine Ben Ali in Tunisia, was felt in China yesterday with disturbances reported in 13 cities across the country.

Messages calling for democracy had been posted on Boxun.com, a Chinese-language microblog based in the US.

Anonymous battle cries had also been circulated with the hashtag #cn220, inviting China's disenfranchised to seek freedom and political reform and end single-party rule.

In another post protesters were asked to shout slogans such as "We want justice", "long live freedom" and "long live democracy".

However, as the time for the protest neared in Beijing, scores of police personnel descended on the designated area in Wanfujing, an upmarket shopping district.
Security forces lined the side streets with police vehicles and at least a 100 uniformed personnel, even as dozens of plain-clothed officers kept a close watch, conspicuously wearing identical coats.

Finally, there were very few signs of demonstrations beyond minor scuffles between police a few individuals.