Shropshire Star

University recalls students from Hong Kong

The University of Edinburgh has asked 21 students to return to the UK.

Published
Protesters practise using a homemade slingshot at Hong Kong Polytechnic University

A university has recalled students on exchange programmes in Hong Kong as civil unrest continues.

The University of Edinburgh has asked the 21 students affected to return to the UK as soon as they can.

Anti-government protests have been raging in Hong Kong for months, and students and other protesters have taken over major campuses, building barricades and stockpiling petrol bombs and other weapons.

Hong Kong Protests
Protesters rest near barricades and stacks of bricks at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP)

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has suspended classes for the rest of the year, and others have asked students to switch to online learning.

A University of Edinburgh spokesman said: “The suspension of classes at educational institutions in Hong Kong has affected 21 Edinburgh students, who are currently on exchange there.

“We are therefore requesting that all of our students in Hong Kong return to the UK, at their earliest opportunity.

“We are providing advice and support to each affected student to ensure all are in a position to return to the UK.”

Last month the University of Edinburgh recalled all nine of its students studying in Egypt, after two were detained by authorities.

They have since been released but the university advised all of its students in the country to return home, citing concerns for their safety.

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