(Ottawa – November 18, 2019) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is condemning the violent siege of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University by police authorities.  

“Hong Kong police forces have launched military-style attacks against protesters on the two campuses, firing tear gas and rubber bullets at people trying to flee and preventing medical personnel from assisting the injured,” said CAUT Executive Director David Robinson. “Attacks on educational institutions are always unacceptable and in this instance are fueling the flames of violence when authorities should be exercising restraint.”

According to reports, hundreds of students have been injured in the police attacks. At CUHK, which has 20,000 students, witnesses say the police raid seemed deliberately provocative, as there was no campus protest before the police launched their assault.

Amnesty International has reported that Hong Kong police forces are using indiscriminate brutality and torture against pro-democracy protesters.

“The latest developments represent an intolerable breach of human rights,” said Robinson. “CAUT and its members demand that Hong Kong authorities immediately end their indiscriminate and violent attacks on protesters, and respect the rights and freedoms of citizens as guaranteed by international standards.”