Thousands of residents scuffled with police and blocked access to a centuries-old village in Beijing as they tried to prevent their homes from being bulldozed in what they said was an illegal land grab by local authorities.

Armed with a warrant from Changping District People’s Court ordering 600 households to move out by Wednesday, local officials, police and construction workers arrived at the Xiangtang Village gates on Thursday, only to be met with fierce resistance. The court had given the authorities permission to destroy their homes without seeking their consent, residents said.

“It is a flagrant violation of human rights and a restriction of our personal freedom,” said Yang Yusheng, a resident who is also a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law. “It is said internationally that China does not have human rights. Isn’t this a vivid example for the anti-China forces in the world?”

In an open letter, Yang accused authorities of acting unlawfully and vowed to continue fighting according to the law.

Thursday’s clashes marked the return to a prolonged fight for the residents of Xiangtang Village, which dates back more than 500 years. Local authorities last year said they would demolish thousands of villas and courtyard properties that house about 10,000 residents as part of a land-resumption order.

Those plans were shelved due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but have resurfaced as the danger fades.

The villagers raised different slogans and made short videos to protest the forced demolition of their homes, while others were seen sitting on the ground in an attempt to block mobile cranes from approaching.

“Xiangtang is my home. How can I move with only one leg? Tell me,” said a disabled villager.

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