A graduate claims the University of York censored his demonstration in support of pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong during his graduation ceremony.

Thursday, 4 April 2024 15:42

By Dylan Connell

Kyle Ma from Shandong in China held up a flag reading: “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” while onstage during his graduation on February 7 in York.

But the demonstration does not appear on the University of York’s live stream of the graduation on YouTube. Instead the video cuts to the university’s logo once Mr Ma’s name is called until the next graduate is announced.

A University of York spokesperson said it supports freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest but it is “protocol to change camera angles during live broadcasts if there is potential disruption on stage”.

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