Computer engineer becomes nail head
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A senior computer engineer in Shanghai is working part time as an "anti-demolition nail" in Beijing, earning a token salary he plans to give away.
The 59-year-old man, who only wanted to be known as Xu Da, is the second "nail" to be hired to protect the Fish Castle Restaurant Bar, by owner Qin Rong. Lu Daren, a 46-year old former labor contractor from Shanxi province, was also hired recently.
Xu has asked for 100 yuan a month without a slice of any possible compensation, and intends to give his entire salary to the victim of a famous entrapment case in Shanghai. His other computer salary is 6,000 yuan a month.
The Fish Castle Restaurant Bar had its water and electricity switched off by force earlier this month by aggressive developers with government clearance.
The term "nail house" refers to people that refuse to move away from demolition zones, usually because of a disagreement about compensation.
Unlike the strong physical presence provided by the other nail head, Xu's main responsibility is to draw from his 4 years of personal experience in the anti-demolition field, using legal tactics.
In 2005, a government project in Shanghai asked all residents of Xu's area to move out.
Before reaching an agreement, Xu's house was demolished and he was offered a less valuable house far from that location.
"They tore down my house on March 27, 2006," Xu told METRO.
From that day on, Xu began arming himself with demolition knowledge and also completed three months of legal training.
"I have spent more time studying this subject than most law students," Xu said.
He had written 30 letters to Huangpu court in Shanghai regarding his case over the last 600 days, but without a single reply.
According to the law, the court should put the case on file or give a reply within seven days.
"I don't care about the money, I just want them to admit they made a mistake," he said.
"The main reason I help Qin is because I understand the helpless situation the public face when confronted with demolition," Xu added.
