Breaking News: Court Sentences Man to Death for Killings in China
A court in China has handed down a death sentence to Fan Weiqiu, a man who killed 35 people in a brutal attack last month by driving into a crowd. Fan, who was unhappy with his divorce settlement, pleaded guilty to endangering public safety by dangerous means.
According to the court, Fan’s "criminal motive was extremely despicable, the nature of the crime was extremely vile, the means of the crime were particularly cruel, and the consequences of the crime were particularly severe, resulting in great social harm."
Background
Fan’s attack was one of several in China in late October and November, leading Chinese leader Xi Jinping to order local governments to take steps to prevent future "extreme cases." The order prompted vows from local leaders to examine personal disputes that could trigger aggression, from marital troubles to disagreements over inheritance.
Timeline
- On Friday, a court in Zhuhai handed down the sentence to Fan.
- Earlier, a court gave a suspended death sentence with a two-year reprieve to a driver who injured 30 people when he drove into elementary school students and parents in Hunan province.
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Driver’s Motivation
The driver, who was 62 years old, was taking out his frustrations after losing money he had invested. According to the court in Changde, the driver was taking out his anger over a personal matter in what are known as "revenge on society" crimes.
Attacks on Crowds
Attacks on crowds, with a vehicle or a knife, are not new in China. The spate of attacks this fall and the high number of victims in the Zhuhai attack renewed the focus on the issue. The attackers often take out their anger and frustration over a personal matter.
Chinese Authorities’ Response
Chinese authorities keep a tight lid on any reports about the attacks, censoring videos and eyewitness accounts posted on social media and releasing only basic information, often many hours afterward.
Conclusion
The death of 35 people in a horrific attack in Zhuhai serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of personal disputes taken out on the public. Chinese authorities must ensure that such tragedies are prevented by taking swift action to address underlying issues and address the root causes of these heinous crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was Fan’s motivation for the attack?
A: Fan was unhappy with his divorce settlement and was venting his anger by driving into a crowd.
Q: What was the result of the court’s investigation?
A: Fan pleaded guilty to endangering public safety by dangerous means and was sentenced to death.
Q: What is a "revenge on society" crime?
A: A revenge on society crime is a criminal act committed out of anger or frustration over a personal matter.
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