Story perspectives

HK Court Upholds Disqualification of Pro-Independence Graduates

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Walter Tse Wai-lok and Anthony Suen Ho-yin, graduates of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, lost their challenge to disqualification amid pro-independence views tied to 2019 protests.
The court ruled the judicial review was not timely and the standing committee's decision was justified.
Justice Russell Coleman said their past actions would discredit the committee, regardless of remorse.
The ruling underscores how political expression intersects with academia in Hong Kong.

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Story summary

Walter Tse Wai-lok and Anthony Suen Ho-yin, graduates of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, lost their challenge to disqualification amid pro-independence views tied to 2019 protests.
The court ruled the judicial review was not timely and the standing committee's decision was justified.
Justice Russell Coleman said their past actions would discredit the committee, regardless of remorse.
The ruling underscores how political expression intersects with academia in Hong Kong.