The Chinese consul-general has defended his actions after being accused of attacking a protester in Manchester on Sunday.
Senior diplomat Zheng Xiyuan – apparently seen pulling a protestor’s hair – has denied the claims of the attack and said his alleged victim was “abusing my country, my leader”.
In a letter sent to Greater Manchester Police, Mr Xiyuan stated the protest turned violent because of “rude banners” that featured a “volume of deeply offensive imagery and slogans”.
The banners included a picture of Chinese president Xi Jinping with a noose around his neck as well as signs which translated to “Doom to the CCP [Chinese Communist Party]” and “Fuck his Mom”.
Mr Xiyuan continued by stating: “It’s not right to put such banners close to my gate. After I advised them to remove very politely, they refused.”
Some people have taken to Twitter to express their opinions on the event.
Greater Manchester Police released a statement yesterday, stating: “So far no arrests have been made and enquiries will continue for as long as necessary.”
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “We’re aware and totally understand the amount of focus on this investigation due to the weekend’s events causing a shock and concern in the city and much wider afield.
“Our experienced detectives are diligently working through a lot of evidence and statements to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the timelines of events that lead to this initially peaceful protest unexpectedly escalating in the way that it appears to have done.”
Since the event took place on Sunday, footage from police body cams, CCTV and other protestors has been published, which appears to show the Chinese consul-general and other consul staff dragging the protester into the Chinese consulate compound.
Foreign secretary James Cleverly tweeted: “I’ve ordered the summoning of the Chinese Chargé d’Affaires to demand an explanation for the shocking scenes outside the Chinese Consulate – General in Manchester on Sunday.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in the UK and the Chinese Government must respect that”.
Image: Chinese Consulate General, Manchester; photo by Eirian Evans
