China has executed two men responsible for deadly attacks that shocked the nation in November, raising alarms over a surge in what authorities term “revenge on society crimes.” The executions, carried out on Monday, followed a series of violent incidents that left dozens dead and injured, prompting calls for stronger preventive measures.
fan Weiqu, 62, was executed for ramming his car into a crowd outside a sports stadium in the southern city of zhuhai, killing at least 35 people. The attack, described as the deadliest in China in over a decade, was reportedly driven by Fan’s frustration over his divorce settlement.Authorities swiftly condemned the act, highlighting its devastating impact on public safety.
In a separate incident, 21-year-old Xu Jiajin carried out a stabbing attack at his vocational school in the eastern city of Wuxi, killing eight people and injuring 17. police revealed that Xu,who failed his examinations and could not graduate,was dissatisfied with his internship pay. His execution, alongside Fan’s, was confirmed by state broadcaster CCTV.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged local governments to address the root causes of such crimes, emphasizing the need to prevent future tragedies. The death sentences for both men were issued by intermediate people’s courts in Zhuhai and Wuxi in December and later approved by the Supreme People’s Court.While violent crimes remain relatively rare in China compared to many Western countries, recent years have seen a troubling rise in such incidents.Stabbings and car attacks have tested the Communist Party’s reputation for maintaining strict public security.These events have also sparked debates about underlying social issues, including economic frustration, high unemployment, and limited social mobility.
China’s approach to the death penalty has long been a subject of international scrutiny. Although the country classifies execution statistics as a state secret, rights groups estimate that thousands are executed annually. Traditionally carried out by gunshot, lethal injections have also been introduced in recent years as part of broader reforms.
Key Details of the Attacks
| Perpetrator | Incident | Location | Victims | Motivation |
|——————|————–|————–|————-|—————-|
| Fan weiqu | Car ramming | Zhuhai | 35 killed | Divorce settlement |
| Xu Jiajin | Stabbing | Wuxi | 8 killed, 17 injured | Failed exams, internship pay |
The executions of Fan and Xu mark a stark reminder of the challenges China faces in addressing violent crimes. As the nation grapples with these issues,the focus remains on balancing justice with preventive measures to safeguard public security.
