1) "Tech news" isn't just about gadgets, but also about how technology effects our lives. This girl was viciously beaten for using technology, that certainly qualifies.
2) HN is not restricted to merely "tech news", and I don't know why you would think it is.
You might not find it particularly interesting or compelling, and therefore you are free to abstain from the discussion.
She got beat for using the internet.
So? If a judge shoots his neighbor because he turned his stereo (technology!!) too loud, is that tech news as well?
Yes, yes it is, and I hope that you never have to be violently beaten for using a stereo or the internet.
Furthermore this occurred in 2004.
This is exactly the point. Because the video was shot in 2004 but not released until this year, the violent family law Judge who is responsible for presiding over cases that involve child abuse cannot be brought to justice for beating the shit out of his 16 year old daughter, who, by the way, suffers from cerebral palsy.