The death of a teenage boy in north-west China has led to protests, with demonstrators clashing with police in Pucheng, Shaanxi province. Videos on social media show protesters throwing objects at officers, who were seen hitting some demonstrators in return.
Teenager’s Death Raises Questions
Authorities said the teenager, surnamed Dang, fell to his death on 2 January in a school dormitory accident. However, rumours quickly spread online, accusing officials of hiding the truth. These allegations sparked anger, leading to protests that lasted several days.
In a statement, local officials claimed Dang, a third-year student, had argued with a classmate before his death. According to them, another student found Dang’s body at the bottom of the dormitory block later that night.
Officials described the incident as “an accident where a student fell from a height at school” and ruled out any criminal involvement.
Claims of a Cover-Up
Despite the official account, unverified claims have circulated online, suggesting Dang might have been bullied. One account alleged, without evidence, that he took his life after the earlier altercation.
Some of Dang’s family reportedly claimed his injuries didn’t match the official explanation. They also said they weren’t allowed to examine his body for long.
Protests Break Out
The accusations outraged many locals. Videos show crowds gathering at the Pucheng Vocational Education Centre to mourn Dang’s death. Mourners placed flowers at the school entrance and performed traditional rituals.
Other clips reveal more intense scenes. Protesters, many of them young, stormed buildings, shouted “Give us the truth,” and destroyed property. In one video, demonstrators shoved a school official, while in others, they toppled barricades and threw objects at police.
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Police and Government Response
Authorities appear to have quelled the protests, as no further demonstrations have been reported. However, a larger police presence has been seen in Pucheng recently.
State media have remained silent, and mentions of the protests have been censored on Chinese social media. Videos of the clashes, however, have leaked online and been shared widely on platforms like X.
Local officials have urged the public not to “create rumours, believe in rumours, or spread rumours”.
Bullying and Student Deaths in the Spotlight
Bullying has become a sensitive issue in China, with past incidents of student deaths prompting public outcry. Last month, two teenagers were jailed for murdering a classmate, drawing widespread attention.
The protests in Pucheng reflect growing frustration over such incidents and concerns about transparency in handling them. For now, questions remain about the truth behind Dang’s death.
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