Student union threatens ‘escalating action’ in Chinese University banner row on Hong Kong independence
At least three large black banners were taken down on Monday – but stunt was repeated on Tuesday, with the blame seemingly placed on student body
The student union of Chinese University has threatened “escalating action” if heads of the institution do not respond by Wednesday 7pm to a row over the mysterious appearances of campus banners and posters advocating Hong Kong independence.
No one had claimed responsibility for the move and by 8.30am on Wednesday, the banners were still hanging in an area managed by the union. Two students were seen stationed at the site to prevent the materials from being removed.
The university had warned any advocacy of independence would be a breach of the Basic Law, which states that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China.
On late Tuesday night, the student union issued the deadline to outgoing vice chancellor Professor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu and his would-be successor Rocky Tuan Sung-chi to respond further and state their positions on the matter, threatening “escalating action” if they failed to do so.
At least three large black banners bearing the words “Hong Kong independence” in Chinese and English were taken down on the first day of the school year on Monday.