Alumni Members Blast HKU Chief's Statement

Students and alumni of the University of Hong Kong have handed vice-chancellor Zhang Xiang a petition over comments he made about the storming of Legco by protesters last week.

Zhang in his statement had condemned the violence and vandalism at the council complex.

The group said Zhang had failed in his duty to defend the students and assure them a better future. Instead he only showed concern for the Legco property that was damaged during the July 1 protest.

Their statement also said Chief Executive Carrie Lam and her officials are to be blamed for the troubles. The group said young people are being forced to take to the streets by the refusal of the government to accept their demands.

About 2,000 people signed the petition.

Zhang accepted the petition, and said that he is against violence in any form.