DAB lawmaker Ann Chiang claims police assaulting a Mingpao reporter amid the chaos 'understandable'. Photo: Apple Daily screenshot
Pro-Beijing legislator Ann Chiang said that it is “understandable” for police to accidentally assault a reporter when asked to comment on the riots that occurred in Mong Kok over the Chinese New Year holidays.
The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong lawmaker made the comment today during a city-wide pro-police petition in Central held by the party.
When asked about the incidents where reporters were brutalised during the unrest, she initially hesitated to respond, and said the officers were under-equipped while protesters were “prepared”.
She later went on saying that it was acceptable for police to make wrong judgements amidst "violent mobs". "It was very messy, and the [protesters] were mad and violent... it’s understandable [that they would] hit or arrest the wrong person," Chiang said.
She added that further investigation on the matter is needed.
A Ming Pao reporter was allegedly assaulted by the police when covering the violence in Mong Kok, dubbed the "Fishball Revolution" earlier this week. Reports say he was hit at the back of his neck by a baton after stating that he was a journalist while taking pictures near a bus.
Recently released footage from Ming Pao and Initium Media appear to show the reporter was hit repeatedly with batons by a group of policemen behind the bus.
The reporter has since filed an official complaint to the police.
http://hongkong.coconuts.co/2016/02/11/pro-beijing-lawmaker-says-police-assaulting-reporters-no-big-deal
