In a disturbing trend, more than 170 Hongkongers have reported being attacked with substances suspected to be bodily fluids in public spaces over the past eight months, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The revelation has raised public concern, particularly after a recent case where a man received a relatively light penalty for a similar offense.
A majority of the reported incidents—approximately 99 percent—involved female victims, though some men were also targeted. An online group that tracks these cases shared that most victims were splashed with suspicious liquids, leading many to experience severe emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
One of the most publicized cases occurred earlier this week when 26-year-old PhD student Lai Changwei was fined HK$5,000 (US$642) by a Hong Kong court. Lai had been caught using a pipette to squirt a liquid containing his semen onto a woman at a university campus. CCTV footage from Kowloon Tong revealed that Lai had followed the woman after spotting her inside a university building on June 6, 2023. The court heard that he used a plastic pipette to carry out the act, targeting the woman’s buttocks.
Lai attributed his behavior to stress, but his actions, combined with the lenient fine, have sparked outrage among the public and victims’ advocacy groups. Many believe the penalty was insufficient, given the emotional toll on the victim and the alarming rise in similar incidents. The victim, who publicly condemned the court’s decision, expressed disappointment in the legal system’s response to such offenses.
The attacks have highlighted broader concerns regarding public safety in Hong Kong, particularly for women. The online group, which first brought attention to the increasing number of such cases, reported that many victims have struggled with mental health issues as a result of the incidents. The majority of the attacks involved unknown perpetrators splashing victims with suspicious substances in crowded or public areas, leaving them with a heightened sense of vulnerability.
In a related development, Hong Kong police recently arrested 43 individuals, including 31 students, as part of a crackdown on four criminal syndicates. These groups allegedly lured teenagers into illegal activities using promises of money and free illicit drugs. The police operation underscores the growing challenge of maintaining public safety amid rising criminal activity in the region.
As the number of bodily fluid attacks grows, victims and advocacy groups are calling for stricter penalties and better protection measures for vulnerable individuals in public spaces.
