More than 200 social media accounts were suspended or closed for publishing extreme and improper content online relating to the fierce beating incident at a barbecue restaurant in Tangshan, North China's Hebei Province.

The case first caught public attention on Friday as a surveillance footage of men assaulting women at the restaurant went viral on social media platforms.

The incident has sparked outrage among Chinese netizens. The public's response especially focused on women's protection and the safeguarding of public security. Waves of discussions were generated surrounding the case.

Chinese Twitter-like social media Sina Weibo said in a statement on Saturday that the platform had suspended 265 user accounts for maliciously publishing extreme content aimed at stirring up hatred and gender or regional conflicts.

According to Weibo, some accounts were suspended for a minimum of 15 days up to permanent suspension. The punishment was issued in accordance with the community rules of the Sina Weibo.

In another development, the Southwest University of Political Science & Law in Chongqing Municipality issued a warning to one of its students, surnamed Liu, for making improper online comments over the beating up case in Tangshan on Friday.

"His comments had a potential negative influence, however, given that Liu acknowledged and realized his mistake… After assessment, the university decided to issue a warning as a punishment to Liu," reads a university notice released on Saturday.

The case blatantly crossed the public's bottom line of social order and morality, and showed a disrespect for the law. Observers said that it is indeed painful to see such violence, and worse, to see no male bystanders lending a helping hand. Yet to its core, this is not a case about women's rights or gender equality, but about public security.

The latest news showed that all nine suspects involved in the case had been arrested as of Sunday.

Global Times