Advertisement
Advertisement

University chief vows truth on police action

A top University of Hong Kong official yesterday appealed for patience from the public, saying a special meeting to be convened by lawmakers next week would find out the truth about allegedly heavy-handed police security surrounding the visit of VicePremier Li Keqiang to the campus last month.

'When the Legco has the meeting next week, the truth will be uncovered. We should wait patiently,' said Chow Shew-ping, the pro-vicechancellor and chairman of the management group that implemented the university's centenary celebrations during Li's visit.

A university spokeswoman confirmed officials would attend the meeting, scheduled for next Monday, but did not say who would go.

University registrar Henry Wai Wing-kun has previously said he would give details about discussions between the police and university management over Li's security arrangements.

The university has been criticised for enabling the heavy-handed security for Li's visit on August 18. Three students were dragged to the ground and locked up for an hour in staircases when they were on the way to join other protesting students on the campus. But there have been contradictory versions of police discussions with the university over the security arrangements.

Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun, the chairman of the Legco security panel, said yesterday panel members would demand that the government provides documents concerning the meetings between HKU and the police.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong and Police Commissioner Andy Tsang Wai-hung will appear on the panel for a second time, To said.

Meanwhile, Samuel Li Shing-hong, one of the students locked up, said yesterday he had been invited to attend the panel meeting, but had not replied. He is considering taking legal action against the police.

Zoe Hung, vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association, called on reporters to wear black next Monday to express discontent towards the government and police over their recent handling of protesters and reporters.

Additional reporting by Jennifer Cheng

Post