Teen’s Death Sparks Violent Protests in Pucheng, China

The death of a teenager in Pucheng, northwest China, sparked violent protests. Social media videos show protesters throwing objects at police. Officers, in turn, beat some demonstrators. The unrest lasted for several days before authorities seemingly quelled it.

Authorities’ Official Explanation

On January 2, authorities reported that the teenager, named Dang, died in an accident at his school dormitory. They claimed he fell after an argument with another student. However, rumors spread quickly, suggesting the authorities were hiding the truth.

Allegations of a Cover-Up

Some online accounts claimed that Dang was bullied, which led to his death. His family also raised doubts. They said his injuries didn’t match the authorities’ version. Furthermore, they complained about being denied proper access to his body. These claims fueled protests in the city.

Protests Erupt and Intensify

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Pucheng. Videos posted online show mourners at the school, performing rituals and mourning Dang’s death. In addition, protesters clashed with police, demanding the truth. They chanted and confronted school officials, shouting, “Give us the truth.” Some of the protesters were injured in the violence.

Government Response and Censorship

The Chinese government has remained silent on the protests. State media did not report on the unrest. Furthermore, authorities censored videos and mentions of the protests on social media. Despite this, videos were leaked online, showing the protests in full force.

Public Concerns and Tensions Rise

The protests have drawn attention to the issue of bullying in schools. In the past, similar cases of bullying have led to protests. Authorities have also warned people not to spread rumors. They claim the protests were based on unverified information.

Violent Clashes with Police

The situation escalated as protesters clashed with police. Videos show demonstrators throwing objects at officers. Police responded by beating protesters with batons. Some protesters were left with injuries, including bloodied faces.

Calm Returns, But Tensions Remain

Reports suggest that the police presence in Pucheng has increased in recent days. Since then, no new protests have been reported. The government has urged the public to avoid spreading rumors, but tension remains high as the public questions the official narrative.