Strict punishments called for school managers and bullies after pupil's assault

Several lawyers have suggested prosecuting teachers at a school in Hung Yen Province after a student was assaulted by her classmates.

Several lawyers have suggested prosecuting teachers at a school in Hung Yen Province after a student was assaulted by her classmates.

 

The victim was hospitalised

On March 22, five 9th graders at Phu Ung Secondary School stripped a classmate and beat her brutally at school. The scene was recorded and uploaded onto the internet, enraging many people. The school management board said they only knew about the video a day later and had suspended the pupils. The bullies' family also apologised to the girl.

However, the victim's family accused the school of trying to cover up the case. According to other classmates, this was not the first time the girl was bullied. After the ordeal, the head teacher asked the class to delete the video clip and to not inform anyone.

The Ministry of Education and Training has ordered an investigation.

Hung Yen provincial authorities have suspended the school director and head teacher. They are considering sacking several people at the school for covering up the case. The head teacher may face stricter punishment.

Lawyer Kieu Hung said the bullies must be punished strictly. He also suggested that the victim's family should have an assessment of injuries and prosecute the bullies. He also criticised the school administration for their slow action and possible cover-ups.

"I don't want to send anyone to the detention centre but we need a trial as a deterrent," he said. "What are the school managers afraid of? Losing their face or achievements? Either way, it's unacceptable and they should face even more punishment."

According to lawyer Nguyen Hong Van from HCM City Bar Association, 16-year-old offenders and above already have criminal responsibility. 14 and 15-year-old offenders will face criminal responsibility when they deliberately commit serious crimes, or when they unknowingly or deliberately commit particularly serious crimes.

The bullies at Phu Ung Secondary School can be prosecuted for deliberately inflicting injury and insulting others. If the victim sustains an injury rate from 11% to 30%, the offenders will face up to 3 years of non-custodial reform or six months to 3 years of imprisonment. Defamation offenders will be fined up to VND30m or face 3 years of non-custodial reform.