“他们被像水牛一样买卖”：上官正义撕开黑砖厂的真相

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ongoing issue of forced labor in illegal brick factories across multiple provinces in China, emphasizing the efforts of an activist, Shang Guanzheng, who has reported 27 such factories and rescued over 200 disabled workers since June 2023 [2][4][9]. Group 1: Forced Labor and Rescue Efforts - Shang Guanzheng has been actively reporting illegal brick factories, rescuing over 200 disabled workers from harsh working conditions [2][9]. - The working environment for these rescued individuals is described as extremely poor, with many suffering from malnutrition and physical deformities due to excessive labor without proper compensation [10][11][15]. - The phenomenon of forced labor among disabled individuals is not new, with some workers missing for decades, indicating a systemic issue that persists despite previous legal actions against similar practices [4][8][10]. Group 2: Criminal Networks and Business Models - The article discusses the existence of family-based criminal networks that exploit disabled individuals for labor, often using online platforms to facilitate these transactions [24][30]. - Brick factory owners and local labor contractors are often aware of the exploitation but choose to overlook it due to the low cost and high productivity of disabled workers [26][27]. - The labor conditions are so severe that local authorities and factory owners may turn a blind eye, as the financial benefits outweigh the moral implications [39][40]. Group 3: Challenges in Law Enforcement - Despite reports and evidence, law enforcement often struggles to act effectively, with many perpetrators fleeing before authorities arrive [33][34]. - The article raises concerns about the adequacy of existing laws, particularly the lack of legal provisions addressing the trafficking of adult males, which hampers efforts to combat forced labor comprehensively [50]. - There is a call for more robust legal frameworks to address the exploitation of disabled individuals and to ensure that law enforcement agencies take these issues seriously [50].