Forum taken over by silent sit-down rally to show solidarity with Hong Kong ‘Umbrella Revolution’

Between 11-5 today, Exeter students gathered outside the University’s INTO building to voice support and raise awareness for the political protests in Hong Kong.

The ‘silent rally’ aims to get the international community involved with current events in Hong Kong, where tens of thousands of residents have peacefully occupied major transport routes and buildings across the city.

Coined the “Umbrella Revolution” after protesters used umbrellas to protect themselves against pepper spray and tear gas, the protests were triggered by the claim that the Chinese government has failed to honour the promise of Universal suffrage to Hong Kong by 2017.

Terry Leung, a Psychology postgraduate student supporting the rally said:

“Under the current electoral blueprints, citizens of Hong Kong will only be able to elect their Chief Executive from a preselected number of candidates.

“This is a mockery of the idea of universal suffrage and has led to various protests and subsequently, our sit-down rally”.

Although the protests have been peaceful, police forces have used both tear gas and plastic bullets against unarmed civilians.

Terry said: “This is a clear violation of human rights by the police force and the Hong Kong government”.

TC Chu, a 2nd year English Literature student who was at the rally said:

“We condemn any use of violence and any violation of human rights by the Hong Kong police force and we also condemn the lack of dialogue from both the Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese governments.

“Our rally aims to raise awareness for what is going on in Hong Kong and to hopefully get people to voice support for it.

“I’m really happy that people from the UK have also come to join in the protest and show their support, as a lot of people can sympathise with our democratic pursuits.

“We would like to show Hong Kong and China that the world is watching and that even on this side of the world, people care about what is going on”.

Ben Bradshaw, MP of Exeter has also expressed his support of the rally. He said:

“I congratulate the students of Exeter University in their sign of solidarity with the people of Hong Kong”.