What sparked the recent public anger in China following the Urumqi fire?

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The Urumqi fire sparked public anger due to accusations that COVID-19 lockdown measures hampered rescue efforts.

A deadly fire in Urumqi, the capital of China's Xinjiang region, has ignited widespread public anger. Many citizens are attributing the severity of the incident and perceived delays in rescue operations to the stringent COVID-19 lockdown policies then in effect. This sentiment has fuelled broader protests and calls for greater freedoms.
Blame for Hampered Rescue Efforts

The incident in Urumqi is widely seen as a catalyst for public discontent, with numerous reports and personal accounts suggesting that lockdown restrictions impeded the ability of emergency services to respond effectively. This has led to significant public outcry and a questioning of the government's zero-COVID strategy.
Protests Erupt in Shanghai

In the aftermath of the Urumqi fire, large crowds gathered in Shanghai over the weekend to express their grievances. Demonstrators congregated in the downtown area, with police attempting to disperse groups converging on Wulumuqi Street, named after the Mandarin term for Urumqi.
Police Detentions and Heavy Presence

On the Monday following the weekend protests, a substantial police presence was observed in Shanghai. Officers were seen detaining individuals and instructing them to delete photos from their phones. Three people were witnessed being led away by police, with one subsequently released after being detained for filming the protest intersection.

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What sparked the recent public anger in China following the Urumqi fire?

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