Six diplomats are leaving the UK two months after violence erupted outside the Chinese Consulate in Rusholme. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has announced that the Chinese consul general, Zheng Xiyuan, and five of his staff who police wanted to question are leaving the country.
It comes after Mr Xiyuan was accused of attacking protester Bob Chan, from Hong Kong, following a pro-democracy demonstration outside the Consulate. Mr Chan told a press conference he was 'dragged into the grounds of the consulate' before being 'kicked and punched'.
Mr Xiyuan denied the allegation and a member of his staff, consul Gao Lianjia, made a counter-claim that his 'life was put at risk' by protesters. In a statement today (December 14), Mr Cleverley said Greater Manchester Police wanted to interview the six individuals over the incident on October 16.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office requested Beijing waive the immunity of the individuals to allow the interviews. “In response, the Chinese Embassy, acting on instructions from Beijing, notified His Majesty’s Government that the functions of the Consul General in Manchester have come to an end and he has returned to China,” he added.
“The Embassy has further notified us that the other staff involved in the incident who the police wish to interview have either left the United Kingdom or will shortly do so.” In a tweet, Mr Cleverley added: "The violence at China’s consulate in Manchester was unacceptable.
"Six Chinese consulate officials, including the Consul General, are being removed from the UK following the disgraceful incident in October." GMP says it is continuing to investigate the incident, working with the Home Office and other government departments.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "GMP's Major Incident Team is continuing its investigation into the events leading up to this incident. They have also successfully identified a number of offences including numerous assaults and public order offences as well as potential suspects and victims that we would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
"No arrests have yet been made but our enquiries will continue for as long as necessary with support from partners."
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