Prominent Hong Kong professor and pro-democracy activist fired by university

Decision to fire Benny Tai, a tenured law professor, goes against previous ruling by the university senate

A prominent Hong Kong professor and pro-democracy campaigner has been fired by his university, in a move that he and other critics described as a devastating blow to academic freedom in the city.

It came amid growing fears that city authorities may try to delay upcoming elections to Hong Kong's legislative council, where pro-democracy candidates expect a strong showing. The vote could be postponed for up to a year, on grounds of a spike in coronavirus cases, local media reported.