Case of underage girl subjected to violence sparks societal reflection; the bottom line of the rule of law must not be trampled upon

The peaceful atmosphere of the Spring Festival was shattered by a violent incident. In Jia County, Pingdingshan, Henan, a minor girl was involved in a traffic dispute that escalated into violence, and she was brutally beaten by multiple people. The incident sparked widespread condemnation online and exposed ongoing issues of violence and insufficient awareness of the rule of law in society.

How Ordinary Disputes Turn into Violent Crimes

The incident occurred on the evening of February 19. According to public information, there was a collision involving an electric two-wheeled vehicle in Ciba Town, Jia County, which led to a verbal altercation. This was a typical traffic dispute that could have been resolved through rational negotiation or by reporting to the police, but after a phone call, the situation rapidly escalated.

When the elderly person involved called for relatives, the situation completely spiraled out of control. Adults arriving at the scene not only failed to handle the matter calmly but also verbally abused and physically assaulted the 15-year-old girl and others present. The video footage shows shocking scenes—attackers smashing bricks into the victim’s face, then kicking her head off with their shoes, and even the wife of the involved person joining in the assault. The entire process was filled with raw violence and a blatant disregard for life.

The Minor Girl Endures Double Trauma

The victim’s injuries have touched many hearts. According to her family, the 15-year-old girl is currently in a semi-conscious state, with severe damage to her vision and hearing. She has suffered not only physical trauma but also psychological wounds that will be difficult to heal.

A simple comment from a nearby shopkeeper reflected societal consensus: “No matter the reason, hitting someone so hard is definitely wrong.” This instinctive sense of justice reflects most people’s understanding—that violence is never the solution, regardless of the dispute’s cause.

Judicial Intervention and Zero Tolerance Under the Law

It is encouraging that local police responded quickly and have taken criminal enforcement measures against Liu Moufei and Han Mouna, who are suspected of assault. This demonstrates the judicial authorities’ firm stance of “zero tolerance” toward crimes involving harm to minors.

According to the Criminal Law, intentionally injuring another person resulting in minor injuries or more serious harm should be prosecuted criminally. If the victim’s eyebrow fracture is confirmed as minor injury or above, the attacker faces up to three years in prison, detention, or control. Additionally, if the attacker assaults others in public places with malicious intent, they could also be charged with provoking trouble, facing more severe legal consequences.

As an adult committing violence against a minor girl, the perpetrator’s malicious intent is significant, and the societal harm is serious. The law must hold them accountable to effectively deter potential offenders and uphold social justice.

Calmness and Courage: Using Rules to Fight Violence

This incident also serves as a wake-up call for society. In the face of evil acts, we need not only anger but also rational responses. For example, some choose to safely stop their vehicle, take photos, and preserve evidence when encountering suspected “staged” accidents on the highway—this is a demonstration of defending oneself with wisdom and rules.

Making every act of violence come with high costs and severe consequences is the most effective way to curb its spread. We should not be mere bystanders—every voice raised, every piece of evidence presented, every refusal to accept “patch-up” mediations reduces the space for violence to survive.

The Light of Rule of Law Illuminates the Future

Under the sunshine of the rule of law, no act of violence can hide. Protecting every minor girl and ensuring every citizen can walk safely under the sun is the fundamental promise of a legal society.

Violence is never the way to solve problems. Only through the power of the rule of law can we truly maintain social order and build a strong defense for minors. This is the most precious gift we can give for the New Year and for all the days to come.