A Chinese court sentenced a man to death for a deadly car attack that killed 35 people, highlighting the nation’s zero-tolerance approach to mass violence.
At a Glance
- Fan Weiqiu received a death sentence for killing 35 people in a car attack in Zhuhai, China
- The attack, motivated by divorce-related anger, occurred on November 11, 2023
- 35 people were killed and 43 injured when Fan drove into a crowd at a sports center
- Chinese President Xi Jinping called for strict punishment and prevention of future “extreme cases”
- The swift sentencing reflects China’s hard-line stance on public safety and violent crimes
Swift Justice in Zhuhai
In a stark demonstration of China’s uncompromising stance on public safety, a court in Zhuhai, southern China, has sentenced Fan Weiqiu to death for a heinous act that claimed 35 lives.
Meanwhile, the U.S. President is issuing pardons to death row inmates.
The incident, which occurred on November 11, 2023, saw Fan intentionally drive his vehicle into a crowd of people exercising at a local sports center, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks in recent Chinese history.
The court’s decision came swiftly, with Fan’s sentencing expedited to just weeks after the attack. This rapid judicial process underscores the gravity with which Chinese authorities view such acts of violence. The court did not mince words in its condemnation of Fan’s actions, describing the crime in the harshest terms.
Reports indicate that Fan’s motive stemmed from personal grievances related to his divorce. Specifically, he was reportedly discontented with property division arrangements, choosing to vent his anger through this devastating act of violence. This tragic incident has sparked discussions about the need for better mechanisms to address personal disputes before they escalate to such extreme levels.
“A serious and vicious attack occurred at the Zhuhai Sports Centre, in which the suspect rammed a car into people who were exercising, resulting in 35 deaths and 43 injuries,” police said.
In the wake of the attack, Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for strict punishment of the perpetrator and ordered local governments to prevent future “extreme cases.” This directive highlights the top-down approach China often takes in addressing public safety concerns and violent crimes.
The Zhuhai attack was not an isolated incident but part of a series of mass killings that occurred in China during late October and November 2023. These events have raised alarm about public safety and the psychological factors that may drive individuals to commit such violent acts. In response, local leaders have vowed to address personal disputes that could potentially lead to aggression.
Chinese authorities have been known to tightly control information about these attacks, often censoring social media discussions and delaying official reports. In this case, it took nearly 24 hours for authorities to disclose the full death toll, marking it as one of China’s deadliest incidents in a decade.
