City
Epaper

HK rejects calls to probe police brutality during protests

By IANS | Updated: June 22, 2019 20:35 IST

Hong Kong Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng on Saturday rejected calls to probe police brutality during ongoing mass protests against a controversial extradition bill that has plunged the Chinese territory into a profound political crisis.

Open in App

However, Cheng did apologize for the Hong Kong government's handling of the extradition bill which is at the root of the unrest.

The police vowed a "stringent" response to the latest protest, when their headquarters was besieged for 15 hours.

Demonstrators only melted away in the early hours of Saturday and the surrounding roads re-opened to traffic amid uncertainty regarding the possibility of more massive protests over the weekend.

Following the end of the overnight siege, police officers removed the barricades they had placed at the entrances of their headquarters to allow the exit of personnel who had been holed up inside incommunicado during the blockade.

The police said in a statement that "they have shown the greatest tolerance to the protesters who assembled outside PHQ (police headquarters)" and slammed those rallying, saying their means of expressing views have become "illegal, irrational and unreasonable", Efe news reported.

"The acts of the protesters seriously affected the work of police, including the provision of emergency services to the public," added the statement, which warned that law enforcement would "stringently follow up on these illegal activities".

The protesters' ire is directed at Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who first proposed and later shelved the contentious bill which would make it easier to extradite suspects to mainland China.

Protesters want the bill to be withdrawn altogether, and everyone detained over the demonstrations to be freed.

Many Hong Kong citizens believe the bill would erode the territory's judicial independence from Beijing and see it as a sign of the Chinese government's efforts to undermine the special freedoms enjoyed in the former British colony.

Justice Secretary Cheng ruled out an inquiry into the police's use of force, despite protests by human rights groups over the use of rubber bullets and tear gas, the BBC reported.

At least 72 people aged between 15 and 66 were injured in the clashes, including two men who were in a critical condition and 21 police officers.

Cheng's rejection of an investigation into claims of police brutality during the disturbances was likely to further invigorate the protest movement. She also vowed to press charges against those involved in the violence.

However, writing in her blog, she added: "We promise to adopt a most sincere and humble attitude to accept criticisms and make improvements in serving the public."

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: ChengHong KongCarrie LamEFEbbc
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketSL-A vs HK LIVE Cricket Streaming: When and Where to Watch Sri Lanka A vs Hong Kong Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Match 7 in India

CricketHabibur Rahman’s 35-Ball Century Powers Bangladesh A to 8-Wicket Win Over Hong Kong A in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 (VIDEO)

CricketBAN-A vs HK LIVE Cricket Streaming: When and Where to Watch Bangladesh A vs Hong Kong Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 Match 3 in India

Mumbai₹58-Crore Digital Arrest Scam: Maharashtra Cyber Probe Reveals Links to China, Hong Kong and Indonesia

CricketHong Kong Sixes 2025 Final: Pakistan to Face Kuwait In Summit Clash Today at Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground

International Realted Stories

InternationalExercise Garuda: IAF and French fighter jets begin coordinated missions, enhance interoperability

InternationalEnforced disappearances in Balochistan continue despite 16 years of protest and rallies

InternationalSheikh Hasina slams verdict given by 'rigged tribunal', calls it 'biased' and 'politically motivated'

InternationalTATP trail points to possible ISKP role in Faridabad module’s Delhi blast

InternationalIran offers condolences to India over death of Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia bus accident