Knowledge is power

It is known as the 12/8/94 incident: the day in December, 13 years ago, when hundreds of Chinese schoolchildren burned to death in a theater in the city of Karamay. The kids, the brightest in their class and ranging in age from 7 to 14, were being rewarded with a special variety performance. To sweeten the deal, they were honored by the presence of some of the city’s senior Communist party members. Until, that is a lamp, short-circuited and flames engulfed the stage prompting one official to call out to the 500 children: “Don’t move. Let the leaders go first.” When the smoke had cleared, the senior party members were alive; 288 children and several dozen teachers were not.

The incident received scant media attention for over a decade, the victims’ families each given up to $8,800 and no further explanation or apology. But now, thanks to a new documentary released by Chinese reporter Chen Yaowen, the government is, in its own special way, owning up to its negligence. After it was banned by TV sensors, Yaowen posted the film on his website. To this date, the online video has not been tampered with and it has been seen by millions of Chinese citizens.

But the victims’ families are not appeased. They are demanding a public apology and a commemoration of the dead, as well as further punishment for the fire-dodgers. Unfortunately, chances are against them as it is not likely that the Chinese government will publicly admit fault in the Karamay incident.