A Chinese court has sentenced 62-year-old Fan Weiqiu to death for intentionally driving his vehicle into a crowd in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, resulting in 35 fatalities and 43 injuries.
Incident Overview
On November 11, 2024, Fan, distressed over his recent divorce settlement, deliberately drove his car into a group of people exercising outside a local sports center in Zhuhai. The attack is considered one of the deadliest in modern Chinese history.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
The Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court found Fan guilty of “endangering public safety by dangerous means.” The court described his actions as extremely harmful to society and carried out in a particularly cruel manner. Fan admitted his guilt during the trial, which concluded with a swift verdict.
Government Response
In response to this and similar incidents, Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strict measures to maintain social stability and prevent future occurrences. Local governments have been urged to address underlying social issues that may lead to such acts of violence.
Recent Similar Incidents
This case is part of a troubling trend of violent attacks in China. Earlier in December, another man received a suspended death sentence for driving into a crowd of schoolchildren in Hunan province, injuring 30 people.
Conclusion
The swift sentencing of Fan Weiqiu underscores China’s commitment to addressing acts of mass violence with severe penalties. Authorities continue to implement measures aimed at preventing such tragedies and ensuring public safety.
