(Ottawa — July 29, 2020) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) condemns the dismissal of pro-democracy activist professor Benny Tai from his tenured position as an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Hong Kong.

“The firing of Professor Tai is another signal that academic freedom and civil liberties are under threat from the Chinese government,” said CAUT Executive Director David Robinson. “It sends a clear and chilling message not only to academics in Hong Kong, but to all of those pressing for democratic reforms and respect for human rights.”

Professor Benny Tai was a leading figure of the 2014 “Umbrella Revolution” protests in Hong Kong that paralysed the city for 79 days. Authorities arrested him last month, and sentenced him to 16 months in prison for two public nuisance offences.