Police hold down a pro-democracy protester in Tamar near government headquarters. Joe (right) shows his injuries. Photos: AFP, Apple Daily
Protesters made to wait 20 hours in police car park after arrest
Dozens of people arrested during Sunday’s siege of government headquarters were kept in a car park outside a police station for 20 hours before being allowed into the building.
They were denied basic amenities such as blankets and garbage bags and were made to endure blasts from huge electric fans, Apple Daily reported Wednesday.
About 40 people were arrested when protesters tried to occupy the Central Government Offices on Sunday night.
They were taken to a covered car park in the North Point station in the early hours the next morning when they underwent police booking procedures.
Statements and finger prints were taken but they were not allowed into the building until midnight Tuesday, the report said.
While outside, they asked for blankets which the police repeatedly denied, even though the group said they saw stacks of these inside the station.
Also, they said they suffered discomfort from a constant blast of air from four high-powered fans which the police claimed could not be turned off because there was no switch, the report said.
A spokesman said the police department respects the rights of detainees and will entertain any complaints about their treatment.
Meanwhile, a medical volunteer identified only as Andrew complained that policemen beat him and his group during a clearing operation outside government headquarters on the same night.
He said officers rushed him when he tried to help a fallen policeman.
A former auxiliary police officer, who gave his name only as Joe, said he tried to help some journalists who were being dragged in the street by riot police.
He ended up being beaten.
“I could barely see as my mask and helmet had been knocked out. I could feel kicks and punches. Someone pulled my hair and another held my head to the ground,” he said.
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