Students, Alumni Unhappy After HKU Open Dialogue

Students and alumni of the University of Hong Kong said on Thursday they were disappointed after a meeting with the university's vice-chancellor, Zhang Xiang.

The university chief has been under fire since he issued a statement condemning violence and destructive acts, shortly after anti-extradition protesters stormed the Legco complex on July 1.

At a forum with six hundred students, staff and alumni, Zhang said he stood by an earlier statement that he doesn't support violence in any form.

Acting Student Union president Davin Wong says the gathering was a good start - but a long way from a success.

"I don’t think Professor Zhang really addressed two of the major concerns. The first one is his double standard with the so-called violence by protesters and by police officers, and the second concern is his lack of empathy when he’s making statements representing HKU." Wong said.

Zhang told attendees that violence was not a solution. He added that he was willing to condemn police - if an investigation finds that officers used excessive force - and said society needs to talk things out:

"Society is further polarised. Things are getting more violent," Zhang said.

Zhang asked the gathering if they wanted to see the violence continue to worsen.

"We need to work together, find a solution," he said.

Zhang said this included the government listening to the public and different sectors of society coming together to find a solution - and dialogue was the first step.