Baptist University president calls on Hong Kong police to treat students fairly after arrest over possession of laser pens triggers siege of Sham Shui Po Police Station
- University’s president Roland Chin urges government and law enforcement authorities to respond positively to concerns
- Police station siege triggered by student leader Keith Fong detained for carrying offensive weapons
The head of a Hong Kong university on Wednesday urged authorities to treat students fairly and respond to widespread public concern after its student leader was arrested a day earlier for carrying laser pointers.
The arrest of Baptist University’s student union president Keith Fong Chung-yin on Tuesday night drew more than 300 people to siege Sham Shui Po Police Station. They were later dispersed when tear gas was fired.
In a letter to students, staff and alumni, the university’s president Roland Chin Tai-hong noted that besides Fong, another student was arrested near the police station on the same night.
“We have spoken with Sham Shui Po police this morning and asked them to ensure our students are treated fairly,” Chin said.
“We are also consulting legal experts and will continue to provide appropriate assistance to them.”
Chin added university staff also checked on other students who were among those besieging the police station when tear gas was fired and tried to persuade them to leave for safety reasons.
“The latest police actions have caused widespread public concern … I urge the government and law enforcement authorities to respond positively to these concerns,” Chin said.