2 stand trial for killing Mongolian herder
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Two people stood trial on homicide charges Wednesday morning at the Intermediate People's Court of the Xilingol League in Inner Mongolia, according to local authorities.
Truck driver Li Lindong and his colleague Lu Xiangdong, both coal miners in Inner Mongolia, have been accused of dragging Mongolian herder Mergen to death under their truck earlier this year.
Two others, Wu Xiaowei and Li Minggang, are being tried on related charges of obstructing justice.
About 160 people witnessed the trial, including relatives of the accused, as well as Mergen's relatives.
Mergen and 20 other herders attempted to block Li Lindong's coal truck on May 10, 2011 to protest the noise and dust created by coal trucks running through Mergen's village, which is located in the West Ujimqin Banner in the Xiligol League.
According to police, Li Lindong used his truck to drag Mergen for 145 meters before he died.
Wu and Li Minggang later blocked the way as police were trying to stop the truck, allowing Li Lindong and Lu to escape.
Mergen's death has triggered protests in the region, with thousands of students taking to the streets last week in the city of Xilinhot, the government seat of the Xilingol League.
The region's coal mining industry bureau has recently started a month-long overhaul of the area's mines. This overhaul has included ordering local work safety groups to strengthen their supervision of the area's coal mines, as well as pay more attention to the welfare of local residents.
However, the region's residents are still fuming over the death of Mergen, calling for severe punishments for the suspects if they are found guilty.
Babu, chairman of the Lawyers Association of Inner Mongolia, said "it was a case with serious circumstances and consequences and significant social impact."
Uzhina, Mergen's wife, said she has been satisfied with the government's response to the case so far.
"I hope that the court can, in accordance with the law, hand down severe punishments for the culprits," she said.
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