Teen’s Death Sparks Violent Protests in Northwest China
The tragic death of a teenage boy in Shaanxi province has ignited violent protests in Pucheng, northwest China, as allegations of a cover-up spread on social media. Verified videos obtained by the BBC show protesters clashing with police, throwing objects, and being forcefully subdued by officers.
The boy, identified only by his surname Dang, reportedly fell to his death on January 2 in his school dormitory. Local authorities have called the incident an accident, but swirling allegations online have fueled public anger. Protesters are demanding transparency and truth about what really happened.
What Led to the Protests?
According to a government statement, Dang, a third-year student at the Pucheng Vocational Education Centre, was involved in an argument with another student late at night after being woken by noise in his dormitory. The dispute was reportedly resolved by school officials. Hours later, Dang’s body was discovered at the base of the dormitory building.
Authorities stated the incident was “an accident” and ruled out foul play after police investigations and an autopsy. However, rumors online suggest otherwise. One unverified account claims Dang took his own life after being bullied by the student he had argued with. Dang’s family has reportedly questioned the official narrative, alleging inconsistencies in his injuries and saying they were not given sufficient time to examine his body.
Outpouring of Anger and Unrest
The boy’s death struck a nerve in Pucheng, where bullying and student deaths have been sensitive issues in recent years. Within days, crowds gathered to mourn Dang at the school gates, leaving flowers and offerings. Videos also show traditional mourning rituals, with pieces of paper being thrown from the school rooftop.
The peaceful vigils quickly escalated into unrest. Videos shared on social media depict demonstrators, many of them young, storming the school and clashing with police. Protesters can be heard shouting, “Give us the truth,” as they confronted school officials, toppled barricades, and destroyed property.
One verified clip shows a protester wiping blood from his head, while others depict police officers beating demonstrators with batons. Scenes of chaos include protesters hurling objects at shield-wielding officers and being tackled to the ground.
Government Response and Censorship
Chinese state media have remained silent about the protests, and any mention of the incident has been heavily censored on domestic social media platforms. However, several clips leaked out of China have been shared widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The local government has denied the existence of protests. When contacted by the BBC, a Pucheng government representative dismissed reports of demonstrations, and officials handling media inquiries were unreachable.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading “rumors” and maintain social stability. As of now, there have been no further reports of protests, but an increased police presence has been noted in Pucheng.
Wider Implications
Public demonstrations are not uncommon in China, but they remain tightly controlled, especially since the 2022 White Paper protests against strict Covid-19 policies. The Pucheng protests highlight the ongoing tensions in China over sensitive issues like bullying and public trust in authorities.
For now, the full story behind Dang’s death remains unclear, but the anger it has unleashed underscores a deeper struggle for accountability and transparency in the country.
