EJ Insight » Hong KongYesterday, 19:38
Ho Kit-ming (left photo) says she did not hold out much hope about her sexual assault complaint against a policeman who locked her in a bear hug (right). Photos: HKEJ, Apple Daily
Only one in 19 charges from four cases involving complaints against police officers has been affirmed.
The rest cannot be substantiated or pursued or the accused have no case to answer, Apple Daily reports, citing the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC).
IPCC made the revelation in a special report released Thursday after a formal inquiry.
One such case involves Ho Kit-ming, a female student who claimed she was sexually assaulted by a police inspector who locked her in a bear hug.
The complaint could not be pursued, IPCC said.
The incident took place in 2013 at a protest by the Hong Kong Federation of Students during a visit by Chief Executive Leung Chun-yin to the Caritas Institute of Higher Education.
Eddie Chan, HKFS secretary at the time, said the complaint filed with IPPC contained all the necessary information, including written descriptions, photos and videos of the incident.
The complaint also accused the officer of misconduct, violation of guidelines and abuse of power.
The officer admitted locking the complainant in a bear hug but said the act was spontaneous and lasted mere seconds.
He said he did not know the subject was a woman until much later when he watched the news.
Police and IPCC dismissed Ho’s case as unpursuable, saying the victim did not come forward to help investigators.
In addition, they cited a video clip which purports to show the police had warned the protesters twice before moving in.
Ho told Apple Daily she did not hold out much hope about her assault complaint.
She said a similar assault complaint against retired police superintendent Chu King-wai could end up being thrown out.
Meanwhile, IPCC recommended more female officers be fielded in future mass actions, saying female protesters outnumber female police officers in these gatherings.
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