Violent Protests Erupt In China Over Teen's Suspicious Death

Chinese national flag flutters at the headquarters of a commercial bank on a financial street near the headquarters of the People's Bank of China, China's central bank, in central Beijing

Recent videos from the northwestern region of Shaanxi, China, have captured violent protests that erupted after the death of a teenage boy. The incident has sparked accusations of a cover-up by authorities, leading to escalating tensions between protesters and riot police.

Verified videos show dozens of protesters confronting a line of riot police outside the Pucheng Vocational Technical School. Some protesters were seen hurling batons and other objects at the officers, with one individual even throwing a fire extinguisher at a door, shattering its glass.

In response to the protesters' actions, police were observed handling the demonstrators aggressively, resorting to physical force by beating and throwing some individuals to the ground.

Protesters clashed with riot police outside Pucheng Vocational Technical School.

Violent protests erupted in Shaanxi, China after a student's death.

Allegations of a cover-up by authorities fueled tensions.

The trigger for these protests was the death of a third-year student at the school, identified by the surname Dang. Local authorities in Pucheng have asserted that Dang's death on January 2 was accidental and not criminal. However, allegations circulating on social media suggest a potential cover-up in the case.

Chinese authorities have been on high alert regarding public protests, especially following the widespread demonstrations known as the “White Paper” protests in late 2022, which were critical of Beijing's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a statement released by local authorities, Dang was involved in a verbal and physical altercation with a first-year student named Guo over a disturbance in his dormitory. The situation was reportedly resolved with the help of a school official. Later that night, Dang was found to have fallen from a window in his dormitory under mysterious circumstances.

Human Rights In China, a US-based activist group, has raised concerns about the suspicious circumstances surrounding Dang's death. Witness reports indicated signs of a struggle in Dang's dormitory, leading to speculation that he may have been pushed from the roof. Dang's family has rejected the official explanation provided by authorities and claimed that photos from his cell phone were deleted.

The family's skepticism and the activist group's findings have gained significant traction on social media, fueling further unrest and calls for transparency in the investigation. The continuation of the protests beyond Monday remains uncertain as the situation unfolds.