A shocking school bullying incident in Jiangyou, Sichuan province, has sparked nationwide protests as a viral video exposes the brutal treatment of a 14-year-old girl by her peers. The footage, which shows the girl being slapped and kicked by three other minors, has ignited public outrage and calls for justice. The alleged bullies, aged between 13 and 15, have received what many deem inadequate punishments; two have been placed in "specialized schools for corrective education."
As anger simmered on social media, protests erupted, with over 1,000 people rallying outside local government offices. Witnesses described the situation growing chaotic as police deployed batons and electric prods to disperse the crowd, prompting further anger from those simply seeking accountability for the victim.
Local officials have tried to control the narrative, denying rumors that the bullies are connected to influential families. Meanwhile, a lawyer criticized the existing legal framework, pointing out that punishments for minor injuries remain insufficient, allowing the cycle of bullying to continue unchecked.
This incident isn’t isolated—previous cases of bullying in China have led to public outcry and protests, showcasing a growing national concern over school safety and the rights of students. As discussions around the need for tougher laws gain traction, the Jiangyou protests may signal a pivotal moment for advocacy against bullying in China.
