Citation

Silver A. Nature 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1038/d41586-019-03515-2

PMID

33203979

Abstract

Three universities in Hong Kong have cancelled classes on campus for the rest of the term after violent clashes between police and protestors erupted in the grounds. At least another four universities have also cancelled classes -- in some cases for the rest of the year -- over safety concerns. And staff at most of the institutions have been told to stay away for several days.

The clashes on campuses are the latest flare up in Hong Kong, and follow six months of street protests, which started in June against an extradition bill that would have allowed people to be sent from the territory to mainland China to stand trial or serve criminal sentences.

The protests on campuses are also disrupting research, and some scientists fear that this could dissuade foreign academics from coming to Hong Kong.

Violent clashes started on the campuses of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) last week. Officials at CUHK said in a statement that protestors -- many thought to be students -- had fired petrol bombs and other objects, while police had released tear gas and fired rubber bullets. University facilities were damaged, staff and students injured, and transport affected...

Language: en

Keywords

Politics