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Violent Protests Erupt in China Over Death of Teenager Amid Cover-Up Allegations
Violent protests broke out in the northwestern region of Shaanxi after the death of a teenage boy, sparking accusations of a cover-up by local authorities. Videos verified by CNN show dozens of protesters clashing with riot police outside the Pucheng Vocational Technical School, where the incident occurred. Protesters are seen throwing batons and other objects at officers, while some attempt to break through barricades, escalating the confrontation.
One video shows a protester hurling a fire extinguisher at a door, shattering its glass. In response, police are seen aggressively tackling and beating demonstrators, some of whom are thrown to the ground. The protests have drawn significant attention, partly due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and the lack of transparency from authorities.
The incident that sparked the unrest was the death of a student, identified only by his surname Dang, who was in his third year at the vocational school. According to local authorities, Dang’s death on January 2 was a result of an accident, not foul play. However, allegations of a cover-up have gained traction on social media, fueling anger among the public.
Authorities in Pucheng claim that Dang had a verbal and physical altercation with a first-year student named Guo over a dormitory disturbance. The situation was allegedly resolved by a school official. Later that night, around 3 a.m., another student discovered a wooden stool beneath a balcony window in Dang’s dormitory. Authorities assert that Dang fell from the window after the metal mesh screen had been removed.
However, the human rights group, Human Rights in China, has raised doubts about the official explanation. The group reported “suspicious circumstances” surrounding Dang’s death, including witness statements suggesting signs of a struggle in the dormitory. Some witnesses believe Dang may have been “pushed from the roof.” Furthermore, Dang’s family has rejected the official account, claiming that photos from his phone were deleted before they could be examined.
This skepticism has gained momentum online, where the tragedy has sparked widespread discussions on social media. The protests began on Monday and are believed to have continued through the week, although it remains unclear whether the unrest has subsided.
The violent response to the protests highlights ongoing tensions in China regarding government transparency and accountability, particularly following the “White Paper” protests in 2022, which were sparked by dissatisfaction with Beijing’s strict Covid-19 policies. Authorities have consistently shown sensitivity to public dissent, especially when it threatens to escalate into larger movements.
As the situation develops, the authorities face increasing pressure to provide a clear and transparent investigation into Dang’s death.
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Russia Demands SWIFT Reconnection as Condition to Revive Black Sea Initiative
Russia has set forth a key demand for the restoration of the Black Sea Initiative—reconnecting its Agricultural Bank, Rosselkhozbank, to the SWIFT financial system. This request, which falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union (EU), comes amid ongoing negotiations between global powers on the war in Ukraine.
Partial Ceasefire and Black Sea Security Agreement
Following recent talks in Saudi Arabia, the United States announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to a partial ceasefire specifically covering energy facilities. While this fell short of the broader ceasefire pushed by former President Donald Trump, the parties also agreed on measures to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels in the Black Sea and to prevent their use for military purposes.
However, the Kremlin quickly detailed additional conditions, demanding the lifting of sanctions on food exports, fertilizers, agricultural machinery, and cargo insurance. Most notably, Russia is insisting that Rosselkhozbank and other financial institutions involved in agricultural trade be reinstated on SWIFT, a global messaging system that facilitates secure financial transactions.
EU’s Role and Sanctions History
SWIFT, headquartered in Belgium, falls under EU regulations. In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU removed several Russian banks from SWIFT in 2022, including Sberbank, Credit Bank of Moscow, and Rosselkhozbank. The exclusion was a significant blow to Russia’s financial system, as it restricted the country’s ability to conduct international transactions.
Rosselkhozbank, a state-owned institution, plays a critical role in facilitating payments for Russia’s agricultural exports, a major revenue source through the global sale of wheat, barley, and corn. While the EU has not directly sanctioned Russian agricultural exports, the banking restrictions have complicated payments for these transactions, leading to the collapse of the initial Black Sea Initiative brokered by Turkey and the United Nations.
Diplomatic Tensions and Uncertain Outcomes
The demand to reinstate Rosselkhozbank puts the EU in a difficult position. Granting this request could signal a willingness to make concessions, potentially encouraging Russia to seek further sanctions relief. However, refusing it could provoke tensions with the Trump administration, which is eager to secure a ceasefire.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently opposed easing sanctions, arguing that they must remain in place until Russia ends its military aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this stance, stating that sanctions would only be lifted after Russia takes concrete steps toward peace.
As EU sanctions require unanimous renewal every six months, any member state could disrupt the process. Hungary, which has previously expressed opposition to sanctions, could leverage this situation to push for changes when restrictions are up for review on July 31.
Future of SWIFT and Global Financial Pressures
While the EU holds the power to reinstate Rosselkhozbank’s SWIFT access, the U.S. could signal leniency by ensuring that those engaging with the bank avoid legal repercussions. Analysts suggest that Russia’s demand may be a strategic move to test both Washington and Brussels, pressuring the EU to reconsider its stance on financial restrictions.
For now, the EU remains firm in its approach. France has indicated that sanctions should remain unless Russia agrees to a full ceasefire, reparations, and security guarantees for Ukraine. However, with negotiations ongoing and international pressure mounting, the debate over SWIFT and broader sanctions relief is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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