Investigation, Penalties, and Revised Law on Juvenile Delinquency

A recent video depicting the verbal abuse and physical assault of a minor in Jiangyou, Sichuan Province, has caused significant public concern. Following a police statement, a local official media outlet released a follow-up report addressing public anxieties related to the incident.

The police investigation revealed that on July 22, a conflict arose between 15-year-old Liu and 14-year-old Lai. Liu, along with 13-year-old Liu and 14-year-old Peng, subsequently verbally abused, threatened, and physically assaulted Lai in an unoccupied area. The authorities imposed administrative penalties on the three abusers, while the remaining onlookers received formal reprimands, and their guardians were instructed to increase supervision. Furthermore, the 15-year-old Liu and 14-year-old Peng will be sent to a specialized school for corrective education, as per Chinese law.

The follow-up report from the local media outlet addressed several public concerns. These included the delay in taking action after the victim's initial report, the accuracy of the suspects' claims of repeated short releases from the police station, and the perceived leniency of the penalties. The report provided a detailed timeline of events following the victim's report, including the medical examination, investigation, and injury assessment.

The report clarified that the police accepted the case immediately and that the victim received medical attention. The investigation involved questioning suspects and witnesses, as well as a medical injury assessment. The assessment, conducted after the victim's injuries stabilized, determined the injuries to be minor. Based on the assessment and investigation, administrative penalties were issued.

The media report also addressed the suspects' claims of being repeatedly released from the police station. It clarified that one of the suspects had only one prior instance of being brought to the station for mediation. The report stated that the suspects' claims were exaggerated in an attempt to intimidate the victim. A lawyer confirmed that the police imposed penalties within the legal limits. The report also highlighted the process of sending the offenders to a specialized correctional school.

The local media outlet also reported that the individuals involved in the assault, along with their parents, have apologized to the victim. The victim's family expressed gratitude for the public's concern and requested that the video not be shared further to avoid causing additional harm.

The incident occurred amid growing public concern over juvenile delinquency. The revised law makes adjustments to existing rules that exempted minors from detention. It now stipulates detention of juveniles aged 14 to 18 in cases where a first offense is particularly serious or harmful, or when those aged 14 to 16 commit repeated violations within a year. Alongside targeted and tougher penalties, the revised law also underscores prevention and rehabilitation.