Arsonist gets death sentence for attack

The seven men involved in the fatal arson attack hear their sentences at a court in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Thursday. [Photo/China Daily]

An arsonist who poured gasoline over a tent and set it on fire, resulting in the death of a farmer who was inside, has been sentenced to death. Three other villagers suffered serious injuries.

Two others involved in the attack in Shandong province, which was triggered by a land dispute, were jailed for life on Thursday by Qingdao Intermediate People's Court.

Wang Yuefu was sentenced to death for arson, while Du Qunshan, a former official at Dujiatuan village in Pingdu, a county-level city, and Li Qing received life sentences. Four others, including Cui Lianguo, the legal representative of developer Qingdao Guihe Real Estate, received prison terms ranging from six to 19 years. Wang and Cui said they would appeal.

The court said the arson attack happened at Dujiatuan village on March 21 last year.

Geng Fulin, 63, who was camping near his farm to protect it from being illegally occupied, was burned to death after his tent was set on fire. Three other villagers who were with him were seriously injured.

Villagers said the four were trying to prevent their land from being seized by Qingdao Guihe Real Estate.

Du and Wang attempted to force the villagers to leave by setting fire to the tent. Wang and three others, all of whom had knives, used gasoline to start the fire.

Another of the men involved, Li Qing, was on parole when the attack happened. He encouraged the others to commit arson, the court said.