China's Ministry of Public Security has issued a wanted list for
eight foremen involved in the forced labor scandal in north Shanxi
Province.
The eight, Chen Zhiming, Zhou Qiusheng, Zhang Zhenjiang, Yao
Haitao, Ke Changjiang, Ke Changfu, Wang Ziguo and Wang Zihong, were
suspected of beating and forcing enslaved people to work in brick
kilns in Shanxi.
A reward of 10,000 yuan (US$1,300) is on offer to anyone who
pass on information that can contribute to the arrest of a suspect,
according to the ministry.
On June 16, the ministry issued a class A warrant for Heng
Tinghan, a foreman in a brick kiln in Shanxi and he was captured in
that very evening.
The forced labor scandal in Shanxi made headlines all over China
in early June, sparking outrage among the public and arousing great
concern from top leaders. The workers were forced to work long
hours without payment in brickyards, mines and other small
works.
Until last Friday, a total of 359 people, including 12 children,
have been rescued from illegal brick kilns in the province,
according to an investigation group.
(Xinhua News Agency June 26, 2007)