Opinion | Release of Henan knife attack video stirs controversy

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Published: 10:24am, 20 Dec 2012Updated: 3:49pm, 20 Dec 2012

Police have released shocking security footage of the brutal attack on primary schoolchildren in Henan less than a week after the attack by a knife-wielding man left 23 pupils injured. The video has caused further outcry among China’s netizens, who blame the school for failing to protect the students. Some also question whether it's appropriate for the government to relase the video.

The attack happened on Friday when the suspect, identified by the police as Min Yongjun, stormed into a primary school in Chenpeng village in central Henan and attacked the pupils.

The video clip shows students fleeing after the knife-wielding man stormed in stabbing victims along the way.

After dozens of students fled the campus, nearby residents and school staff members are seen rushing in with brooms, attempting to confront the knifeman.

“All they've got are brooms?”, said one netizen on China’s Sina Weibo service. “That’s not enough to protect our kids.”

Some others criticised the government for making the video public.

“By releasing the footage, you are satisfying the sick suspect and facilitating other potential killers,” said one netizen. "Please take it down."

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