Chinese farmer took on giant corporation after teaching himself law
In rural China, an extraordinary story of persistence and courage unfolded when farmer Wang Enlin and his neighbors decided to confront a powerful state-owned chemical company over pollution. For sixteen years, Wang, who had only three years of formal education, studied law on his own to prepare for the legal battle.
The company, Qihua Group, had been accused of dumping toxic waste on farmland, destroying crops and contaminating homes in the village of Yushutun. Lacking money for books, Wang borrowed law texts from a local store, painstakingly copying them by hand in exchange for bags of corn. Equipped with a dictionary and sheer determination, he slowly built enough knowledge to understand China’s legal system.
As his confidence grew, Wang began to educate his fellow villagers about their rights. His leadership and knowledge gave the community the courage to take their case to court. In 2007, after years of preparation, they filed a lawsuit against Qihua Group, demanding compensation for the environmental devastation.
The case attracted national attention because it symbolized the power of ordinary citizens standing up to corporate and political interests. Against all odds, Wang and his neighbors won an initial judgment in their favor at the Angangxi District Court in Qiqihar. The court ordered Qihua Group to pay around $119,000 in damages to the affected farmers.
Qihua Group, however, appealed the ruling, and the case was sent back for retrial. Although the final outcome remains unclear, Wang’s story became an inspiration across China. It showed that persistence, even without formal training or resources, can challenge powerful institutions.
Today, Wang’s journey is remembered as a testament to the strength of grassroots activism and the belief that justice is worth fighting for, no matter how unequal the struggle may seem. His story continues to inspire not only in China but also globally, where communities face similar battles against industrial pollution and corruption.
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