University of Tasmania staff step in as tensions rise among Hong Kong and Chinese students

The University of Tasmania has vowed to protect “freedom of speech” as tension among students escalates over the political situation in Hong Kong.

UNIVERSITY of Tasmania staff have intervened in an attempt by students to remove pro-democracy posters from a student lounge at the Hobart campus, as local tensions rise in response to the political situation in Hong Kong.

On Sunday, Hong Kong police arrested more than 20 people after violent clashes with anti-government protesters, as the Chinese-controlled territory braces for more protests and a general strike aimed to bring the city to a halt.

On Saturday police fired tear gas rounds in confrontations with black-clad activists in the city’s Kowloon area, the latest escalation after more than two months of protests against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China.

A University of Tasmania spokesman said the university was aware a poster display was removed by students from a wall of the student lounge on the Sandy Bay campus earlier this week and was “looking into this matter”.

Pro-Hong Kong posters have been pulled down at the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus. Picture: SUPPLIED

“A new poster display has been put up and we know there have been discussions among students about attempting to remove it,” the spokesman said.

“There was another attempt to remove the material [on Tuesday] afternoon and the university intervened to stop that happening.

“We are closely monitoring the situation.

“The protection of freedom of speech on university campuses is paramount, as is the safety of our students.”

A student, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Mercury more posters were again removed either overnight or in the early hours of this morning.

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The student lounge where pro-democracy posters at the University of Tasmania have been pulled down. Picture: SUPPLIED