In a chilling saga that captivated and horrified audiences across China, the case of Lamu, a popular vlogger, has put a spotlight on domestic violence and women's rights in the country. The narrative reached its culmination when her ex-husband, Tang Lu, was executed for the gruesome murder of Lamu, who he set ablaze during a live-streamed video in September 2020. This horrific incident not only stunned viewers but also spurred national outcry and demands for change regarding the handling of domestic violence issues in China.
Lamu, known for her engaging presence on Douyin (the Chinese counterpart to TikTok), often showcased her life in the picturesque Sichuan province, including her beautiful countryside and her traditional Tibetan attire. With a following that numbered in the hundreds of thousands, her online persona was an embodiment of the vibrant culture she represented, making her untimely death even more shocking to her fans.
The ordeal began long before that fateful day when Tang Lu, her ex-husband, committed the heinous act. Lamu had been a victim of domestic violence throughout their marriage, a fact she had bravely shared with the authorities and her followers. Unfortunately, the response she received from police was disheartening; a domestic abuse report was dismissed as a "family matter." Despite divorcing Tang in June 2020 after enduring years of violence, Lamu remained in a precarious situation.
On September 14, 2020, in a moment that was shared with thousands live on Douyin, Tang Lu invaded Lamu's father’s home. While she was cooking and streaming her video, he assaulted her in an unimaginable manner, dousing her in petrol and igniting the flames that would lead to her death two weeks later. This act was witnessed by numerous followers, leaving an indelible mark on the viewers and igniting a firestorm of outrage online.
The aftermath of Lamu's murder was nothing short of explosive in its impact. Hashtags such as #LhamoAct emerged, calling for systemic change and prompting spirited discussions on the need for robust protective measures for victims of domestic violence in China. President Xi Jinping's subsequent comments at a UN conference regarding the safeguarding of women’s rights resonated deeply with the public, as citizens began to vocalize their frustration and a collective desire for legislative action to protect vulnerable individuals.
Following a trial that saw Tang Lu sentenced to death in October 2021, the case exemplified a broader societal issue: the pervasive nature of domestic violence in China. Despite the fact that domestic violence was criminalized in 2016, the implementation of laws remains insufficient, particularly in rural regions where traditional attitudes can sometimes obstruct justice for women.
While the case may appear settled with the execution of Tang Lu, advocates for women's rights argue this should be seen as only a starting point for real change. They worry that recent policies, like a 30-day "cooling off" period for divorce, might hinder women’s ability to escape abusive relationships in the future—a move that many see as retrogressive.
As Lamu's story continues to echo throughout the country and beyond, it has become a rallying cry for many. Activists and citizens alike have vowed to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from escaping abusive circumstances, demanding not only justice for Lamu but also sustainable systemic change that addresses the cultural and legal lapses leading to such tragedies. Tang Lu’s execution serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences of unchecked domestic violence, but it also sheds light on the urgent need for real and effective solutions. The lingering question remains: how can society protect women from such brutality in the future? Addressing this question means confronting deep-seated societal norms and re-examining how laws can be applied more effectively to assist domestic abuse victims. Until then, Lamu’s legacy continues to reverberate as an emblem for change and a poignant example of the fight for women's rights in China.