Village suicides underscore plight of China farmers
( 2003-08-13 14:41) (Agencies)
A Chinese villager bought poison and killed himself, another attempted
suicide by
drinking pesticide bought on credit and a third too poor to afford
poison hanged himself, the Beijing Youth Daily said on Wednesday.
The tragedies in dirt-poor Yongquan village in the northern province of
Shaanxi in July underscore the plight of China's 900 million rural residents who
have been burdened for decades by oppressive taxes, fees and fines.
Farmer Li Liwen, 56, attempted suicide in July by drinking pesticide bought
on credit because he could not afford a 560 yuan (US$67) fine slapped by local
officials for planting grain instead of trees, the Beijing Youth Daily said.
"I don't even have enough money to buy salt," Li, who makes about 200 yuan a
year, was quoted as saying after he was rescued by neighbours.
Two days later, Li Xiang, 31, a farmer and petty village official, killed
himself by drinking pesticide after being criticised by villagers over the fine,
the newspaper said.
Another farmer, Chen Yinfu, 32, hanged himself two days later after
questioning by police over Li's death because he could not afford
poison.
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