Chinese University chief condemns student graduation protest at Beijing’s Basic Law ruling
Students at Hong Kong institution also tear up pictures of Leung Chun-ying during the ceremony
The vice chancellor of Chinese University condemned students on Thursday for staging a political protest during their graduation ceremony and tearing up pictures of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying.
Professor Joseph Sung Jao-yiu said it was inappropriate and regrettable that around 20 graduates raised signs bearing the Chinese character for “interpretation” crossed out when the national anthem was played at the university’s 81st Congregation for the Conferment of Degrees.
It was an extension of the fallout from the disqualification of two localist lawmakers for their anti-China antics at their swearing-in ceremony last month, which was preceded by Beijing interpreting the Basic Law to make such conduct punishable by stripping offenders of their seats.
The students also tore up pictures of the chief executive while their supporters in the audience cheered them on.
“The graduation is an important and solemn ceremony that should be respected by the school and students. To demonstrate at this event is inappropriate and [I express my] regrets,” Sung said.