A disturbing incident of school bullying in Jiangyou, Sichuan province, has ignited significant public outcry and protests, driven by a viral video showing a 14-year-old girl being assaulted by three other minors. The footage, which circulated widely on Chinese social media last week, depicts the girl being slapped and kicked, and forced to kneel in a humiliating manner. The three attackers, who are aged 13, 14, and 15, have reportedly been placed in specialized schools for corrective education.
The case has drawn widespread ire, especially given claims of ongoing bullying against the victim and her mother's desperate pleas for justice, as she is reportedly deaf. As the story spread across social media platforms, public sentiment grew increasingly critical of the perceived leniency of the punishment handed down to the assailants. A strong wave of anger culminated in protests outside local government offices on August 4, where more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered, some remaining until past midnight.
Eyewitness accounts describe a confrontation between protesters and police, with reports of violence erupting when officers attempted to disperse the crowd using batons and electric prods. Video evidence suggests that police were seen dragging individuals away and employing aggressive tactics to restore order. “People just wanted justice,” remarked an unnamed observer. However, fearing repercussions, many witnesses have chosen to conceal their identities, citing police warnings against speaking out.
While protests are a familiar sight in China, authorities typically act swiftly to suppress them, and this unrest in Jiangyou has prompted police to issue clarifications addressing misinformation circulating on social media. A statement from police refuted claims suggesting that the assailants hailed from influential families, stating instead that two of the suspects' parents were unemployed, while others held local jobs.
Legal experts highlight the growing concern over how the law addresses bullying cases in China, criticizing the minimal penalties associated with minor injuries and the inadequate legal protection for victims. A lawyer based in Shanghai remarked on social media that this incident exposes a significant imbalance in victim support.
Bullying continues to be a hot-button issue in China, with previous incidents leading to considerable unrest. This includes protests following the death of a teenage boy in January, which was reportedly linked to bullying, and the court case of two teenagers convicted of murdering a classmate amid allegations of ongoing harassment. This climate reflects a growing demand for increased accountability and protective measures for victims of bullying in the country's schools.
