Security police raid HKU students’ union office

More than a dozen national security police officers raided the University of Hong Kong’s students’ union office on Friday, three days after Chief Executive Carrie Lam called for action against student leaders at the institution.

Officers were seen carrying evidence boxes, and were let inside by university staff after 3pm. They went into meeting rooms, and reportedly searched the student-run Campus TV as well as the office of the Undergrad magazine.

The force said the operation was linked to a motion passed by the union’s council on July 7, which mourned a man who died after he allegedly stabbed a police officer and then himself in Causeway Bay on July 1. The motion also thanked the man for his “sacrifice”.

In a statement, HKU management confirmed that the police had entered the campus in Pok Fu Lam and said the officers had a warrant. It said the university was obliged to act in compliance.

The authorities have repeatedly condemned the union, saying the motion was “no different from supporting and encouraging terrorism”.

Members of the union’s council retracted the motion, apologised and resigned their positions last week. But on Tuesday, Lam told the media she was “very angry” and “ashamed” of the students, and the police and university should look into taking follow-up action.

Hours after Lam made the remark, the university announced that it no longer recognised the union.
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Last updated: 2021-07-16 HKT 22:14