Chinese authorities have executed three men convicted of sexually assaulting minors, reinforcing the country’s strict stance on crimes involving children. China enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward offenses against minors, particularly sexual crimes.
On Thursday, China’s Xinhua News Agency reported that the Supreme People’s Court immediately carried out the death sentences for three men—Guo, Xiang, and Gong—who had been convicted of raping minors.
The court emphasized the severity of these crimes, stating, “Sexual assault against minors severely damages their physical and mental health and causes significant harm to society.” It added, “The court will impose the harshest penalties for such crimes by the law and will show no leniency.”
Guo used his position as an elementary school teacher to sexually assault six female students under the age of 14 more than 100 times from 2013 to 2019. He is also accused of sexually harassing three female students under the age of 12 multiple times.
From 2011 to 2020, Xiang targeted minors in public spaces such as parks, squares, and near kindergartens, luring them to secluded areas to commit sexual assaults. He compounded his crimes by secretly recording the attacks and using the footage to blackmail his victims.
Gong is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a female child under the age of 12 who frequently visited the store he operated, either alone or in collaboration with others, over an extended period. The victim ultimately passed away at the age of 16.
In a particularly tragic case, one victim developed severe depression and anxiety, ultimately leading to her suicide. In related developments, China revised its laws concerning rape and lewd acts involving minors last year. The updated criminal code stipulates that individuals found guilty of rape using violence or other coercive means face prison sentences ranging from three to ten years.
For cases involving victims under 14, the penalties are significantly harsher, with a minimum sentence of ten years and the possibility of life imprisonment or capital punishment.
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