Hong Kong: Clashes at Chinese University September 17

Event

Clashes occurred on Sunday, September 17, between student groups and security at the Chinese University. The conflict erupted between groups in favor and against independence of Hong Kong from China.  A group of around ten anti-separatist individuals held a protest in the university's Cultural Plaza, and attempted to tear down pro-independence posters. Pro-independence members of various student groups arrived at the square to protest the poster removal, and shouting and pushing occurred between the security officers and protesters. No injuries were reported, and the crowds were dispersed peacefully. Tensions remain high and additional clashes between pro-independence and anti-separatist groups are possible in the coming days.

Context

Over the past two weeks, there have been increasing reports of pro-independence posters and material appearing around Chinese University. Student unions are calling for university officials to  protect free speech and allow pro-independence posters to remain on campus. A joint statement from the heads of ten universities in Hong Kong on Friday, September 10, called the pro-independence posters an abuse of free speech and denounced calls for independence from China. Furthermore, Chinese University officials on Friday demanded that the student unions must remove all pro-independence signs or the university will take action. ​

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to keep abreast of the situation, and to avoid the vicinity of demonstrations as a precaution due to the potential for violence.