Ugly scenes as ‘Chinese nationalists’ clash with Hong Kong human rights protesters in the stands as Australia takes on China in a Melbourne basketball game
Hong Kong human rights protesters and Chinese nationals clash in Melbourne
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Chinese ‘ultra-nationalists’ clashed with human rights activists from Hong Kong during a basketball game between China and Australia.
The crowd was shocked by the violent display during Thursday night’s FIBA World Cup qualifier at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Activist Max Mok claims he was ‘attacked’ after he started shouting ‘free East Turkestan’ and ‘independence of Hong Kong’.
Footage shows him screaming and holding a poster before being pushed by a taller man as his girlfriend tries to stop him.
Mr Mok’s poster demanded the release of Mirzat Taher, an Australian Uyghur political prisoner held in China for 25 years.
Security had to intervene to end the collision and then called the police to help.
More to follow.
Activist Max Mok holds a poster demanding the release of Australian Uyghur political prisoner Mirzat Taher in the stands during the Australia vs China World Cup qualifier (pictured)
Security was forced to intervene to end the clash, then called the police to help (pictured)
A protester holds up Tibet’s flag as part of protest sparking anger from nearby onlookers (pictured)