A protester was hospitalised after being beaten up by unidentified men in the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Rusholme.
The protester, identified only as Bob, spent a night in hospital for treatment after sustaining several physical injuries.
The man was a part of a crowd of protesters from Hong Kong – he was then dragged into the grounds and assaulted by numerous unknown men.
He escaped with the help of the police shortly after.
The protester told the BBC: “They dragged me inside, they beat me up.
“It’s ridiculous. They shouldn’t have done that. We are supposed to have freedom to say whatever we want here.”
China, however, has defended the actions.
Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin spoke today at a daily press briefing in Beijing: “People intending to cause nuisance entered the Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester illegally… threatening the safety of a Chinese diplomatic facility.”
Protesters were displaying an offensive image of China’s President Xi Jinping, who is certain to win a historic third term at the Communist Party’s congress.
The banners showed Xi wearing a crown, with phrases such as “Heaven will destroy the Chinese Communist party” also on display.
The consulate itself also defended the actions, stating protesters had “hung an insulting portrait of the Chinese president at the main entrance”.
A spokesperson said: “This would be intolerable and unacceptable for any diplomatic and consular missions of any country. Therefore, we condemn this deplorable act with strong indignation and firm opposition.”
The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Manchester legally cannot be entered by British officials without Chinese consent, but police say they intervened “due to our fears for the safety of the man” and to “prevent further harm”.
The Foreign Office is urgently seeking clarity on what occurred, with Greater Manchester Police also launching an investigation.
Labour MP for Manchester Gorton Afzal Khan condemned the actions on Twitter, writing: “I’m absolutely appalled that a Hong Kong protester was beaten up by the Chinese consulate in my constituency.
“The Chinese authorities cannot use intimidation and abuse in Manchester or anywhere else.
“I’ll be raising this matter immediately.”
Shadow foreign secretary David Lammy also defended the protesters.
“The quashing of peaceful protest will never be tolerated on our streets,” he said.
There were two police officers at the protest, but several more appeared within minutes of the altercation beginning.
GM Police Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “It’s clear what began as a peaceful protest unexpectedly escalated and our officers acted professionally in response to a hostile and dynamic situation to help the victim.”
Foreign secretary James Cleverly has summoned the Chinese deputy ambassador the UK.
Zheng Zeguang, Chinese ambassador to Britain, is yet to comment.
Image: Chinese Consulate General, Manchester; photo by Eirian Evans
