An MP has used Parliamentary privilege to accuse a senior Chinese diplomat of being involved in trying to stop the protest outside the Chinese Consulate in Rusholme on Sunday
Alicia Kearns told MPs in the House of Commons that consul-general Zheng Xiyuan had been involved in unrest before the violence broke out.
The Tory MP told the Commons: “On Sunday these peaceful protesters gathered outside the Chinese consulate to campaign for human rights in Hong Kong.
“What we saw was the Chinese consul general then ripping down posters and peaceful protest and soon followed grievous bodily harm against a Hong Konger, one of whom was hospitalised for taking part in a peaceful protest.
“Some were then dragged on to consulate territory for a further beating by officials who have been recognised to be members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The BBC are reporting that China has not commented on Zheng Xiyuan’s alleged involvement.
But the foreign ministry in Beijing defended the actions of consulate staff.
Spokesman Wang Wenbin said people had “illegally entered” the grounds and any country’s diplomats would have taken “necessary measures” to protect their premises.
