Three people have been detained in connection with the death of an eight-year-old Chinese boy, allegedly subjected to physical abuse by a martial arts instructor.
The boy was pronounced dead on June 18 at the Third People’s Hospital in Chenyang, China.
Following the tragic incident, the owners and one coach of the Chongde Juying Martial Arts Sports Club in Qingdao were arrested on the same day. The boy’s parents had only recently enrolled him at the martial arts school, paying a substantial fee of $1,440 for a year’s worth of coaching.
Their joy turned into despair, however, when they received a disturbing video in which their son appeared pale and bruised. Screenshots from the footage, allegedly showing the boy cowering on the ground in an orange T-shirt bearing the school’s name, circulated widely on the internet.
The Straits Times reported that the video contained a woman’s voice, warning the child that if he continued to fall, his mother would not come to pick him up for a year. Furthermore, the footage appeared to capture moments where a man attempted to help the child while he complained of being kicked by the instructor.
According to Chinese media, the boy’s heart had stopped functioning approximately 20 minutes before he arrived at the hospital. The Chenyang branch of Qingdao’s Public Security Bureau has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the events at the martial arts club, which received its license in April.
It is expected that the three people in custody will face charges related to “intentional harm leading to death.” This incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting concerns about the safety and welfare of children in similar institutions.
