HK Needs A Truth Commission, Says Baptist Uni Head

The president of Baptist University on Thursday called for a "truth commission", saying this would help Hong Kong rebuild and move forward after weeks of political and social unrest.

In an open letter to students and colleagues, Roland Chin said the violence, bloodshed and hatred the city has witnessed recently has shocked people to the core.

Chin noted that countless allegations have been levelled against various parties, including aggression on the part of protesters, excessive force by the police, triad collusion and foreign interference.

He said the claims are conflicting and confusing and unless the truth is uncovered, there can be no lasting stability in Hong Kong.

He called for a commission, made up of people that Hong Kong trusts, to unearth the facts but not to apportion blame or pursue punishment.

"Hong Kong citizens cherish freedom of expression and freedom of the press, and this combination has cultivated generations of truth-loving people. We must not shy away from the inconvenient truth about what has happened, which has shocked us to the core over the last several weeks," he wrote.

Chin's letter came a day after two university heads also expressed concern over the extradition saga.

Stephen Cheung, from the Education University, wrote to Chief Executive Carrie Lam to demand an independent investigation and a complete withdrawal of the extradition law bill which sparked the protests.

Wei Shyy, from the University of Science and Technology, issued a public letter asking the government to act on requests for an independent inquiry.

On Thursday, the vice-chancellor of Chinese University, Rocky Tuan, held a meeting with scores of students over the unrest, with some saying they want him to back them in their fight against the government.

"I certainly expect him to support our activities to demand what we deserve: freedom and democracy, and also that he will protect our students," said Richard, a year two history student.

Ahead of the meeting, Tuan said eight of the university's students have been arrested since the protests began in June and the institution will be providing them with legal and emotional support.