Fake Viral Video Claims Chinese Officials Are Shooting COVID-Infected Citizens
A widely shared video on social media purports to show Chinese officials shooting individuals infected with the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19. However, a detailed analysis of the video reveals that it is a composite of four unrelated incidents, with the narrative fabricated to create a false and alarming impression.
Unraveling the Mix of Clips
The viral clip is a montage of four distinct footages:
* Clip 1: Police officers loading and inspecting firearms near a police vehicle.
* Clip 2: The same officers walking through an apartment complex.
* Clip 3: Medics tending to a person lying on the floor, with sounds similar to gunshots in the background.
* Clip 4: A person lying on the pavement of a road, with similar gunshot-like sounds. An ambulance and police vehicle are also visible.
Debunking the Claims
Clip 1 and 2: Police Shooting a Rabid Dog
An official report from the China Global Television Network (CGTN) identified the incident in Clips 1 and 2. On February 1, 2020, Yiwu police were dispatched to handle a rabid dog that had attacked people. The officers shot the dog after it was deemed a danger to humans.
Clip 3: Medics Attending to a Patient
A longer version of the video in Clip 3 was uploaded on Chinese Twitter on January 26, 2020. The footage shows medical staff caring for patients, contrary to the gunshot narrative. Moreover, sound analysis reveals that the gunshots were enhanced in the viral clip, while the original sounds more closely resemble fireworks.
Clip 4: Motorcycle Accident Misinterpreted
CGTN’s investigation revealed that the incident in Clip 4 was a motorcycle accident that occurred on January 29, 2020, in Wuzu Town, Hubei. A 15-year-old boy riding the motorcycle lost control and crashed. Despite the presence of ambulances, the boy sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Fabricated Narrative
The viral video combines these unrelated events to create a shocking and false narrative. By exploiting the public’s fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the video aims to spread misinformation and fuel distrust.
As of now, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that Chinese officials are shooting people infected with COVID-19. The viral video is a cruel hoax that seeks to spread panic and undermine the efforts of healthcare workers and officials working tirelessly to combat the virus.
Divya