Responding to reports of the detention of a former student

Goldsmiths is putting in place a range of support in response to reports of a former student’s detention in China for taking part in a "white paper" protest.

Reports say that alumnus Li Siqi is being detained by the Chinese authorities after taking part in a peaceful vigil to remember the victims of the Xinjiang fire.

The Warden of Goldsmiths, Professor Frances Corner OBE, has written a private letter to the Chinese Ambassador in London and the College is working with Amnesty International to support the release of those detained.

The College has also set out its position in an official public statement and we are offering support to current Goldsmiths students from China.

The statement says: “We are deeply concerned over the welfare of a former Goldsmiths student who is reportedly being detained after taking part in a peaceful vigil to remember the victims of the Xinjiang fire.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the suppression of free speech and urge the Chinese authorities to immediately release all those who are being detained in relation to the vigil.

“The Warden of Goldsmiths has written a private letter to the Chinese Ambassador in London setting out our position on this matter and we are looking to work with groups like Amnesty International to help support the release of those detained.”

“We are also contacting current Goldsmiths students from China to set out the support available to them from the College."