The July 5 riot has brought extreme pain to thousands of families. While tortured by the sadness of losing family members and property, the relatives of victims strongly condemn the crimes committed by the rioters. Our reporter Xu Zhaoqun was with some of the families of victims in Urumuqi.
Zheng Deyang was confirmed dead after being missing for two days since the evening of July 5. But his wife, Chang Qing, is pretending to be calm because their twelve year-old son still doesn't know what happened.
Chang Qing, Zheng Deyang's Wife, said, "I told my son his father had a traffic accident. I don't know how to let him know the truth. The killer robbed his mobile phone, and destroyed his bike. He was so brutally tortured that I was even not able to identify him on the photo. They are too cruel, they are not human. "
Chang said they dare not remain at home at night, and chose to stay with her sister.
In the daytime, relatives come to look after them.
Chang Chunming, Zheng Qing's Father, said, "I have been living here since I was born. I like here because the neighborhood is good. I could never imagine how these gangsters can be so cruel. They must be punished."
The local civil affairs authorities have begun to deal with the aftermath. A temporary help center was established to receive the families of victims and collect information about their losses.
Each family whose loved one died in the riot will receive compensation of two-hundred-thousand yuan. Free meals and accommodation are provided for those coming from other cities.
Mr. Xu, Spokesman of Civil Affairs Bureau of Urumuqi, said, "This is the registration office for the victims' families. The details of the deceased person will be collected here so that we can provide better service for them."
The spokesman told reporters that fifty-million yuan has been set aside as compensation for the victims. Later on, the local government will arrange more money to meet the demand of the victims.
(CCTV July 13, 2009)
