CUHK Student Says Threats Made Over Abuse Claims

A Chinese University (CUHK) student who alleged sexual abuse by police said on Friday that she has received threats over the phone after she spoke out at a forum on campus.

The student on Thursday had said she was sexually abused by police after being detained for taking part in anti-government protests, and she asked university officials for support.

But speaking on a radio show, the student said she had received threats by phone after she spoke out. She said the calls had showed mainland numbers. She added that her personal information has been made public on the internet.

She also clarified that the abuse she alleges took place at Kwai Chung Police Station and not at the San Uk Ling Holding Centre as was reported earlier. She said she is still discussing her future course of action with her lawyers.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Kevin Yeung said on Friday that he was sad to hear of the allegation. Speaking on a radio programme, Yeung said the claim is serious, and urged the alleged victim to provide the police with more information.

The secretary said it is worrying that a relatively large proportion of those arrested in the recent anti-government protests were young people.

Yeung said if the studies of arrested students are affected, the government and the education sector will help them seek alternative schooling and counselling arrangements.

He added that authorities had asked schools to report the number of pupils wearing masks on campus just to get a general understanding of the situation and assess the mood of the students.

The information won't be used to take action against the students or the schools, Yeung said.