On Monday, two people in Hong Kong were left in critical condition following yet another violent day of protest after 24 weeks of conflict between the police and the protesters. One activist was shot at close range - the third to be shot by the police during this movement, and a member of opposition to the protest, more sinisterly, was doused in flammable liquid and set alight in what Chief Superintendent John Tse described as the 'most shocking incident'
Newcastle, along with other cities in the UK such as Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds who have international students from Hong Kong, has shown solidarity with the Hong Kong protesters.
Around 30 protesters in the city centre watched over by a handful of police, were opposed by more than 100 pro-Beijing protesters and were forced to bring their rally to a premature end.
Newcastle University has over 375 students from Hong Kong, and multiple students on placement in the region itself. The Tab wrote that the university is bringing back students who are in Hong Kong for industrial placements and study abroad schemes due to concerns about their safety in the midst of such political tension. The six students in the region have been given the opportunity to return, with their degrees unaffected and their travel fares paid.
There is a continued support from Newcastle students for those in Hong Kong, with the Newcastle University Hong Kong Public Affairs and Social Service Society and Newcastle Stands with Hong Kong, who organise rallies such as the one that was intimidated recently.