Elderly man sits on woman’s lap after refusing priority seat on Shanghai Metro; police report filed
An elderly man sparked outrage on Shanghai Metro Line 9 after refusing a priority seat and sitting on a woman’s lap during rush hour. The October 28 incident is under police investigation. Legal experts said his actions may constitute forcible molestation or public disorder, offences punishable by up to 15 days’ detention and fines.
- An elderly man sat on a woman’s lap after refusing a priority seat on Shanghai Metro Line 9, leading the victim to call the police.
- Shanghai Metro confirmed the incident is being reviewed by authorities.
- Lawyers say the man’s actions could amount to forcible molestation or public disorder, punishable by detention and fines.
SHANGHAI, CHINA — A controversial incident on Shanghai’s Metro Line 9 has sparked public outrage after an elderly man refused a priority seat and instead sat on a woman’s lap during the evening rush hour, prompting the passenger to call the police.
Incident during evening rush hour
The incident occurred on October 28 during peak commuting hours as the train was heading toward Qibao Station, according to videos filmed by witnesses and circulated online.
Footage shows an elderly man in a blue shirt forcefully sitting on a female passenger’s lap after refusing to take an offered priority seat.
Nearby, a male passenger tried to push the elderly man away and shouted, “Society cannot tolerate violence — I swear I’ll crush you right here today!” But the man shamelessly sat down again despite repeated scolding. Other passengers could also be heard urging him to stop.
Metro officials: Incident under investigation
In response to media inquiries, Shanghai Metro staff told Da Xiang News on November 1 that the company had “recorded and reported the incident” and that “relevant management departments will investigate and verify the matter before providing feedback.”
When contacted, staff from Shanghai’s 110 police hotline declined to comment, citing internal policy.
Possible criminal implications
Legal experts said the elderly man’s actions may constitute forcible molestation, as he made physical contact with the woman against her will.
Under China’s Public Security Administration Punishments Law, anyone who molests others or intentionally exposes themselves in public may be detained for five to ten days.
Lawyers also noted that such disruptive or harassing conduct could fall under “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” an offence punishable by up to 15 days of detention and a fine of up to 2,000 yuan (US$275), depending on the severity of the case.
The Shanghai police have not yet released an official statement on whether the man has been detained or charged.
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