In the early hours of August 5, 2025, a protest erupted in Jiangyou City, Mianyang, Sichuan, as residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the handling of a bullying incident. Several videos circulating online show crowds gathering and chanting slogans while facing off against police forces. The situation escalated when law enforcement responded with significant force, leading to multiple arrests. Shortly after, the videos and related discussions were quickly removed from social media, and the topic was suppressed.
The unrest stems from an incident on July 22, in which a 14-year-old girl suffered severe bullying at the hands of a group of teenagers. The distressing video of the assault began circulating online on August 2, featuring the assailants openly confessing their indifference to potential police involvement, saying they were not afraid of the consequences. Speculations arose online suggesting that the perpetrators were “children of officials,” prompting local authorities to issue a clarification stating that such claims were unfounded. Police confirmed that the victim, identified as Lai, sustained minor injuries.
Growing community frustration over the official response led to protests outside the city government building on August 4, demanding justice for the victim. Reports indicate that a massive deployment of riot police was used to disperse the crowd, resulting in bloody clashes and additional arrests. By the following day, the area was cleared, with heavy police presence maintaining order.
Family members of the victim expressed their concerns, indicating that Lai had previously been bullied by the same group. A rumored reason for the bullying—that Lai’s mother is deaf—was confirmed but unsubstantiated as a contributing factor. The family underscored the lack of accountability from the assailants’ families and called for a thorough and fair investigation, insisting that those responsible should be held liable. They also stated that while the emotional state of Lai has stabilised somewhat, she requires ongoing psychological support to address the trauma from the incident.
On August 4, Jiangyou Police issued a statement confirming that the bullying incident, which involved escalating conflicts among minors, had been thoroughly investigated and that legal measures were being taken against those involved.
This series of events highlights not only the urgent need for better protection and support for victims of bullying but also raises questions about the societal responsibilities of youth and the prevalence of violence. It is a crucial moment for community dialogue about these issues, and hopes are high for meaningful change to prevent future occurrences.