Public fury has erupted in China following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a 14-year-old girl being violently assaulted by classmates. The footage, which spread rapidly online, depicts the victim being slapped, kicked, and forced to kneel by three other minors in Jiangyou, Sichuan province.
Authorities confirmed that the attackers—girls aged 13, 14, and 15—have been sent to specialized correctional facilities. However, many argue the punishment is insufficient, particularly after reports emerged that the victim had endured prolonged harassment and that her mother, who is deaf, had repeatedly sought help from officials.
In clips recorded by the perpetrators themselves, the victim can be heard threatening to call the police, only to be mocked by her assailants, who bragged about evading consequences despite multiple prior run-ins with law enforcement. The dismissive attitude displayed in the videos has fueled broader concerns over China’s handling of school violence.
The case has triggered protests outside government buildings in Jiangyou, with demonstrators demanding stronger action against bullying. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as police used batons and electric prods to disperse crowds, leading to clashes. Authorities later denied rumors that the attackers had influential family ties, clarifying their parents’ ordinary occupations.
Legal experts note that China’s current penalties for minor assaults often fail to account for the lasting psychological harm inflicted on victims, leaving families feeling abandoned by the justice system. The incident has reignited debates over school safety, following past cases where alleged bullying led to student deaths and violent public backlash.
While protests in China are swiftly suppressed, the outcry over this case underscores growing frustration with systemic failures to protect vulnerable students. As discussions continue online—despite heavy censorship—the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reform in addressing youth violence.
