For nearly two years, Gong Junli has awaited justice for his 8-year-old daughter, Xinyue, who was tragically murdered in northwestern China. The accused killer is a 13-year-old boy, bringing to light complex questions about juvenile crime in China.

In September 2022, Xinyue was found stabbed multiple times in a grove of poplar trees. The police arrested a 13-year-old neighbor, citing evidence and a confession indicating he committed the crime out of hatred towards females, stemming from conflicts with his mother.

Juvenile offenders often get sent to a correction centre

Juvenile Crime in China
This case is among the first to go to trial since China lowered the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12. The trial highlights the tension between traditional leniency for juvenile offenders and growing public demands for harsher penalties amid high-profile child crime cases.

Public and Legal Reactions
Following recent child crime incidents, Chinese social media has been abuzz with calls for stricter punishments, including for very young offenders. Legal scholars and social media users alike are divided, with some advocating for severe consequences and others pointing to the socio-economic factors driving these crimes.

Government Measures
The Chinese government has responded to public pressure by issuing new guidelines on preventing juvenile crime, including potentially holding parents accountable. Recent court rulings have also sentenced several young offenders to prison, signaling a shift towards tougher penalties.

Socio-Economic Context
Many juvenile offenders come from impoverished rural areas, often referred to as “left-behind” children due to their parents working far from home. Experts argue that economic and social conditions need to be addressed to prevent such crimes.

Conclusion
Gong Junli continues to seek justice for his daughter while navigating the complex legal landscape of juvenile crime in China. His story underscores the broader societal issues at play and the ongoing debate about how to handle young offenders.