Boy threatened with knife, then forced to do squats naked in viral video: 5 arrested, youngest is 12
A video of a boy being threatened with a knife on the neck, then forced to strip and do squats naked went viral on July 22.
A number of Stompers alerted Stomp to the video circulating online.
Stomper Gina said: "I came across a deeply disturbing bullying video posted on Facebook -shared without any censorship - which violates the dignity of the victim. It is heartbreaking and unacceptable.
"The video appears to show a group of three to five individuals surrounding a lone victim, while voices of boys and girls can be heard in the background. One teenager is seen pointing a sharp knife at the victim's neck before delivering a harsh slap to his face.
"The group then forces the victim to choose between enduring a beating by all of them or stripping naked as a so-called punishment."
As the naked boy was performing the squats with his hands holding his ears, he was made to say repeatedly that he was ashamed of stealing someone's $50.
The Stomper added: "No one can fully comprehend how devastating this experience must be for the victim and their loved ones.
"Regardless of whether the suspects are minors or not, justice must be served. Such acts must never be normalized or overlooked. We must stand together against cruelty and protect every individual's right to safety and dignity."
In response to media queries, the police confirmed that reports were lodged in relation to the incident that occurred on July 6.
Five boys, aged between 12 and 15, were arrested on July 10 for their suspected involvement in rioting.
Two of them, aged 13 and 15, were charged in court on July 16 with voluntarily causing hurt with common intention.
The 15-year-old was separately charged with carrying an offensive weapon in a public place.
Police investigations are ongoing for the remaining three teenagers.
