Hong Kong independence banners appear at Chinese University for new academic year
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the large-scale act of defiance against Beijing
After months of relative quiet, the issue of Hong Kong independence made a high-profile reappearance on Monday, as banners calling for a breakaway surfaced at Chinese University overnight ahead of the new academic year.
School staff quickly removed the signs, leading the student union to accuse it of suppressing free discussion on the emotive topic.
At least three large black banners bearing the words “Hong Kong independence” in Chinese and English festooned the school in Sha Tin, including a campus landmark and sculpture known as “The Beacon”, outside the library.
Chinese University vice chancellor Professor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu said students were free to express their opinions but should not break the law.
He did not say whether the stunt had been illegal, only noting: “As long as it is not illegal or disruptive to other people’s learning, we will not have too big of a reaction.”