Violent protests erupted in the city of Pucheng, in northwestern China, after the death of a teenage student sparked accusations of a cover-up by local authorities. The demonstrations took place at Pucheng Vocational Technical School and quickly spread across social media.
Dozens of protesters confronted a wall of riot police, with some throwing objects such as batons and fire extinguishers at the officers. In response, the police acted aggressively, striking protesters and detaining several individuals on the spot.
The protests were triggered by the death of Dang, a third-year student at the school. According to local authorities, Dang’s death on January 2 was an accident with no criminal involvement. However, allegations of a cover-up have circulated widely on social media, fueling public outrage.
The Incident and Suspicions
According to an investigation published on the Pucheng government’s website, Dang reportedly had an argument and physical altercation with a first-year student, identified as Guo, over noise in the dormitory. A school official supposedly resolved the conflict that evening.
Later, around 3 a.m., another student discovered a wooden stool near a window in the dormitory. The window was open, and the protective screen had been removed. Dang was found lying on the ground outside.
Despite the official explanation, the activist group Human Rights In China raised doubts about the circumstances surrounding Dang’s death, citing “signs of a struggle” in his dormitory and suggesting that he may have been “pushed from the roof.” Dang’s family also rejected the official account, claiming that photos from his phone had been deleted.
Protests and Crackdown
The protests in Pucheng, which began on Monday, have drawn attention due to the recent history of demonstrations in China, such as the “White Paper” protests in late 2022 against strict Covid-19 policies. The heavy police presence and actions against the protesters reflect the authorities’ concern about preventing the unrest from escalating.
It remains unclear whether the demonstrations are ongoing, but the case highlights the tensions between the public and the government in situations of public scrutiny. Dang’s death and the surrounding circumstances continue to be debated, as his family and supporters demand clearer answers.
