China on Monday protested an
invitation from the Feltrinelli Foundation for a leading Hong
Kong pro-democracy activist to speak at the end of November.
"WE oppose the attempt to provide platforms or create the
conditions for the independence-seeking activities of Hong
Kong," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang on the invite
for Joshua Wong.
"This person invited by the Italians is an activist for the
independence of Hong Kong.
"We oppose the attempt to provide any platform for the
independence-minded activities of Hong Kong."
Wong, leader of the 2014 Umbrella Movement and leader of the
Demosisto party, is one of the leading pro-democracy activists
in the former British colony.
He said on Twitter Monday that "it is painful to see the city
fallen into a police state".
He criticised allegedly heavy handed tactics used by police
against demonstrators.
Police fired shots and wounded at least two people, one
seriously, while an amateur video shows an officer apparently
trying to run down two black-clad activists.
The Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli is kicking off its
cycle of talks on movements around the worlds, Move On, with
Wong, who will visit Italy for the first time.
On Wednesday November 27, in an encounter titled "Hong Kong
Democracy", Wong will debate with sociologist Frèdèric Martel
and the head of the Fondazione Feltrinelli, Massimiliano
Tarantino.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
