Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has called on the UK government to end the sale of tear-gas to the government in Hong Kong. This follows the use of tear gas against pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong over the weekend.
The UK has allowed six licences for tear gas to Hong Kong since 2010, the most recent one listed by the UK government was awarded in January 2014 (most recent figures cover Q1 2014). The total value of these licences was £180,000.
Images posted by Hong Kong protesters show what appeared to be CS gas grenades manufactured by the UK arms company Chemring.
Overall the UK has sold £8.5 million worth of arms to Hong Kong since 2010. This has also included anti-riot shields, rifles and small arms ammunition.
Andrew Smith from CAAT, said:
The UK must end all arms sales to Hong Kong and immediately investigate if any UK provided arms are being used on protesters.
Other countries that the UK has licensed the sale of tear gas to include United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Pakistan.
ENDS
For further information please contact Andrew at media(at)caat·org·uk or call 020 7281 0297.
