Volunteer Rescuers Banned as China Seeks to Hide True Death Toll and Official Incompetence
The decision to prioritize political image over humanitarian rescue has been repeatedly seen in recent Chinese history.
TL;DR
- 12 grassroots civic organizations in Jiangsu province, China, have been banned.
- Seven of the banned groups were volunteer emergency rescue teams.
- Other banned groups included house churches, clan associations, and charitable volunteer groups.
- The official reason for the ban is operating without state registration.
- Critics argue the ban is a deliberate effort to control information about natural disasters, including their severity and death tolls.