Police are investigating after footage emerged apparently showing pro-Hong Kong demonstrators being violently attacked by a group of Chinese activists in Southampton.
The alleged incident occurred after a rally to mark the anniversary of the 2019 protests for democratic changes in Hong Kong.
Hampshire constabulary said they had received a report about a “hate-related assault” in Southampton, while Hong Kong community leaders denounced what they called a “blatant violation of the fundamental principles of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to protest”.
The group Hongkongers in Britain said: “As Hongkongers, we have witnessed first-hand the erosion of civil liberties and the suppression of democratic values in Hong Kong. The right to peacefully protest and advocate for one’s beliefs is a fundamental human right that should be protected and respected by all.
“The assault in Southampton is not only an attack on the individuals involved but also an affront to the principles of democracy and human rights.”
The footage showed a group of three men kicking out at, and manhandling, a man and a woman on a street in the city. A sixth person could be seen looking on but did not appear to be actively involved in the altercation.
One of the attackers, some of whom were said to be University of Southampton students, could be heard shouting in Mandarin: “Hong Kong belongs to China” and waving what appeared to be the Chinese flag.
According to Hongkongers in Britain, the incident was an example of the sort of repression of freedom of expression seen in Hong Kong in recent years, brought to British streets.
“The attack on Hong Kong protesters by pro-Chinese Communist party Chinese students in Southampton is an alarming display of aggression and intolerance,” said Simon Cheng, a former British consulate employee and the group’s founder.
“It is a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to protest. We firmly believe that individuals should be able to express their opinions without fear of reprisal or violence, regardless of their political views.”
He added: “Hongkongers in Britain strongly condemns the assault on Hong Kong protesters that took place in Southampton. We are deeply concerned about the incident and wish to express our solidarity with the victims, who were subjected to such violence.”
Hampshire constabulary said: “We have received a report of a hate-related assault in the Southampton area. It is alleged that a group of people were confronted and assaulted on Burgess Road in Southampton at around 4.25pm on Sunday 11 June. Two people received minor injuries as a result of the assault.
“We are currently conducting an investigation and carrying out enquiries to ascertain the exact circumstances of the incident.”
A University of Southampton spokesperson said: “We’re aware of the footage circulating on social media and are investigating. The university condemns violence of any kind and respects everyone’s right to free speech.
“As this matter has now been reported to the police, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this time.”
