China tightens school security
May 13, 2010
China's Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu has promised to crack down on anyone caught attacking teachers, students or children. "We must strike at the criminals so that they don't dare lay their hands on the children," Meng said in a speech posted on his ministry's website.
On Wednesday a man with a meat cleaver hacked seven children and two adults to death at a kindergarten near the city of Hanzhong in Shaanxi province. Over a dozen children were injured in the incident, which ended with the attacker committing suicide. This incident has shocked many across the country.
"This is sick. How can someone attack children? It shouldn’t happen. Children should be protected," said a 60-year-old man named Mr. Wu.
Property dispute
According to the official Xinhua news agency, a preliminary investigation showed that the killer, Wu Huanming, had rented a house to the kindergarten. He had been upset with the kindergarten owner, as he wanted him to vacate the property when the lease ran out in April. But the kindergarten owner had wanted to keep the school running until the summer.
Security boost
Wednesday's incident came despite an increase in security around schools across the country. The series of brutal attacks on children in May has angered the Chinese public. Now the authorities have tightened security even further.
More than 2,000 security guards dressed in riot gear have been deployed in kindergartens and schools across Beijing to increase safety. Security in and around schools has also been increased in other parts of the country. State media have reported that some schools are being guarded by police carrying machine guns.
Mental health problems
The Chinese government sees these incidents as 'isolated' and caused by deranged individuals. But for many, the incidents are a reflection of the rapidly changing society.
"These criminals are unsatisfied with the society," said one passerby in Beijing. "The pressure is too high nowadays," said another.
Experts say with economic reforms and growth, there is also an increase in mental health issues caused by rising levels of tension and stress among Chinese people. The latest attacks might be a sign that growing mental problems are being overlooked.
du/AFP/Reuters/AP
Editor: Thomas Baerthlein