Hong Kong uni student union pres stumbles to explain Nazi salute in viral photo

Zhou Shufeng (right), student union president at Chinese University of Hong Kong, delivers what appears to be a Nazi salute while posing for a photo with his friend. Photo: hk01.com A Hong Kong university student leader who sparked outrage on social media over a viral photo of him delivering what appears to be a Nazi salute has downplayed the controversy. "'I did it because my friend asked me to. The gesture can be interpreted in many ways, such as imitating Superman flying,' said Zhou Shufeng, student union president at Chinese University of Hong Kong,'' local media outlet hk01.com reported on March 9. Zhou, who appears flashing the straight armed salute next to a friend, explained the photo was taken to celebrate his friend's graduation from university. "I had no intention of disrespecting anyone," Zhou wrote on his Facebook page on March 9, adding he does not support Nazism and condemns their actions during World War II. The photo was first spotted by an offended student at the university from overseas, who alerted hk01.com. The school's Office of Student Affairs called the photo "inappropriate" and may be "offensive to others." The university has since contacted the students to "remind them to respect different cultures," media reported.