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China has launched a vicious crackdown firing tear gas and bullets against a 'democracy village' that dared to stand up to the country's communist leaders. Riot police are trying to place the rebel village in lockdown following weeks of protests in the village known for its pro-democracy values. But the protesters are staging a fightback in a rare and amazing show of resistance to the Chinese government.

TWITTER Villagers throwing rocks at police who were using tear gas and rubber bullets

Authorities launched a police operation to end protests in Wukan following days of unrest. They entered the southern village overnight and raided homes at 4am, arresting 13 people in total. In one video a man is seen being pinned to the ground by police in body armour while other images show bloodied villagers. The Chinese police said the villagers had "constantly spread rumours", forced others to protest and stopped people from working. A spokesman said: "Local government and police have been patiently warning them and educating them, but they turned a blind eye and completely ignored the laws. "In order to protect the interest of the public and return the village life to order, the police have taken action and arrested them."

I can't see any hope in this. The villagers feel so angry Cai

One woman, surnamed Cai, told the BBC: "Riot police are stationed at the entrance to our village. No-one can go in or out. "I can't see any hope in this. The villagers feel so angry." However, the protesters refused to give in and have launched a fightback against the Chinese state. One shocking viral video showed clashes in the streets with villagers throwing rocks at police who were using tear gas and rubber bullets. Police hid under riot shields as protesters, some of them elderly, pelted them with bricks and bottles.

TWITTER Villagers bloodied from China's vicious crack down

GETTY 13 people have been arrested for disturbing public order

The protests started last week after Lin Zuluan, a popular village chief, was jailed for three years on the charges of corruption. His supporters claim that the charges of corruption are politically fuelled and that his television confession was forced. A former attorney of the village chief agreed and said that Mr Zuluan made the confession to protect his family. Wukan carries symbolic importance following protests in 2011 that broke out over land seizures and corruption. Villagers were able to throw out government officials and barricade the village. The siege was resolved when China’s ruling Communist Party agreed to allow a local election, during which Mr Zuluan won. The 72-year-old was seen as a hero by many of the village’s 20,000 residents ever since he led the 2011 local rebellion According to villagers, Mr Zuluan was planning to lead a new round of protests later this year over more land grabs. Authorities quickly detained him and then charged him with taking bribes last week. The ruling regime has since sent in "thousands" of police to crush the rebellion.

TWITTER Chinese riot police in retreat from angry villagers

GETTY Lin Zuluan was jailed for three years last Thursday for corruption