British politicians and activists are calling for an investigation into the reported beating of a pro-democracy Hong Kong activist at the Chinese consulate in Manchester.
Video widely circulated of the incident online shows it began when people wearing riot helmets seemingly associated with the consulate grabbed a large painting depicting Xi that the protesters had erected outside the facility's gates The two helmeted men were confronted by protesters as they tried to carry the painting into the compound.
"Officers were present and responded immediately to diffuse the situation.
Duncan Smith was sanctioned by the Chinese government in 2021 Labor Member of Parliament Sarah Owen called for an investigation to be immediately opened into the incident in order to "ensure people fleeing persecution feel safe [in] our country."
"The CCP will not import their beating of protesters and denial of free speech to British streets," she said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party by its initials. "
Chinese ambassador should be summoned & if any official has beaten protesters, they must be expelled or prosecuted."