Hong Kong universities urged to assert freedom after crackdown

"No one would have a problem with universities cooperating with police for normal criminal charges, but for protesting – seen as political crime at best – it is a different matter,” Professor Tsang told Times Higher Education. Only in America are protesters beaten and criminalized. In Hong Kong they are treated with kid gloves. But the arrestees were not arrested for protesting. They were arrested for rioting–a very different matter.

Perhaps the best approach would be to fine students for the damage caused to campus, but allow them to complete their degrees. Protest is acceptable. Criminal damage is not.