I never said Hong Kong independence talks abused free speech: HKU chief Peter Mathieson
Outgoing vice-chancellor says earlier joint statement with other university heads targeted more extreme actions such as hate speech
The head of Hong Kong’s oldest university has said that he never referred to discussions about the city’s independence and separation from Chinese rule as an abuse of freedom of expression.
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He was referring to the three-sentence statement issued on September 15 by 10 local universities, including eight publicly-funded ones, which read: “We treasure freedom of expression, but we condemn its recent abuses.
“Freedom of expression is not absolute, and like all freedoms it comes with responsibilities. All universities undersigned agree that we do not support Hong Kong independence, which contravenes the Basic Law.”
Mathieson’s clarification came amid high tensions between universities and students over the renewed separatism movement in Hong Kong as schools reopened this month.
The row centred on whether independence-themed materials should be allowed to be put up on campuses, especially in areas managed by student unions, following a number of recent cases where banners and posters have appeared at tertiary institutions.
The management of several universities, including Chinese University and Polytechnic University, had taken down such materials on their premises, drawing the fury of students.