The Chinese Charge d’ Affaires in London has been summoned to the Foreign Office today to explain why a campaigner was beaten up at a democratic protest in Manchester this weekend.
The attack took place inside the Chinese Consulate in Manchester. What is alleged to have happened is that there was a pro-democracy protest outside the Chinese Consulate, and Chinese officials have assaulted some of the protesters.
MP Iain Duncan Smith raised the issue by calling his government to intervene. The protestor claims that the guards at the gate beat him. “He said four people were kicking him and tearing at his hair. His head, face, and back were hurt, especially his back. He struggles to sit down. This is happening on British soil,” said Ian Duncan Smith.
The diplomatic immunity the Chinese have at the Consulate is where things become problematic for the UK government to intervene. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has expressed deep concern about the incident and seeks an explanation.
The Chinese government denied the allegations as described, but Greater Manchester police are still investigating the incident.
Iain Duncan Smith demanded the government expel any Chinese diplomats found to have been responsible.
WHITEHALL
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