Corruption and gambling accused of ruining Macau
By Ecumenical News International
6 May 2007

Macau has overtaken Las Vegas to become the world's gambling capital and is enjoying rapid growth, but violent clashes on international Labour Day indicate that the small southern Chinese city is socially ill, say local Christian leaders - writes Francis Wong for ENI.

Thousands of people in the former Portuguese enclave in China took to the streets on 1 May 2007 to expressed dissatisfaction at poor governance in the city, citing corruption. They also noted unhappiness at sharp increases of imported labour and hikes in property prices.

During the May Day clashes, 10 protesters were arrested and police fired shots into the air as a warning, accidentally injuring a passer-by. Church leaders said that the clash was a manifestation of social problems. the rest