Classes suspended at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as campus repairs to be carried out following ‘mass-scale malicious vandalism’
- University issues statement saying it is deeply saddened to see turmoil spread to city’s higher education institutions
- It also condemns ‘malicious’ attack of mainland Chinese student who was beaten up during forum on Wednesday
A Hong Kong university caught in a storm after the death of one of its students will suspend classes on Monday due to “mass-scale malicious vandalism” on campus last week.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) said it was deeply saddened to see the ongoing turmoil in the city had spread to universities, urging authorities to do their part to end the crisis.
It also condemned an assault earlier this week on a mainland Chinese student on campus, pledging to bring the attackers to justice.
“The government must propose feasible solutions to the current social disputes so that peace and order can be restored in the entire society,” the statement read.
“The university once again calls on all parties to remain calm and restrained. Violence cannot solve any problems and will only intensify conflict and inflict greater damage.”
The class suspension came after the death on Friday of 22-year-old computer science undergraduate Chow Tsz-lok, who fell four metres in a car park in Tseung Kwan O. Tear gas and confrontations had taken place nearby as police attempted to disperse protesters who were trying to disrupt an officer’s wedding.