Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
Attempts to stifle freedom of expression on the UTAS campus should be condemned in the strongest terms by the Tasmanian Government.
For the second time in as many weeks, pro-Beijing students have torn down the symbolic Lennon Wall in the UTAS student lounge at the Sandy Bay campus, breaking the hearts of international students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and those from mainland China who dream of freedom from the totalitarian Chinese Government.
Lennon Walls are popping up on campuses across the country as pro-democracy students voice their support for young people in Hong Kong who are fighting for their freedom from oppression.
These actions by pro-Beijing students in Tasmania are in direct defiance of UTAS management which this week made a statement affirming the university’s commitment to freedom of speech and expression on campus.
In Parliament today, we asked the Deputy Premier to condemn these actions and express strong support for students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China who believe in human freedom and democracy.
Regrettably, Minister Rockliff only managed a tepid statement which will do nothing to prevent the influence of pro-CCP forces on the UTAS campus.
The Greens stand with every UTAS student who is expressing their solidarity with the people of Hong Kong, fighting as they are for their freedom and their future.