Hong Kong protests: group of police relatives comes forward to end animosity between force members and demonstrators
- Police Relatives Connection member supports demand for independent inquiry into alleged use of force on anti-government demonstrators
- Both the force and protesters regard the group with suspicion and consider its activities might actually be a ploy
A group claiming to comprise family members of police officers has stepped forward saying it hopes to see an end to worsening animosity between anti-government protesters and members of the force, as Hong Kong entered a 14th weekend of unrest.
Among other things, it held a rally on August 25 and said it agreed with the protesters’ demand for an independent inquiry to investigate alleged police brutality – something the force opposes and the government has dismissed.
Calling itself the Police Relatives Connection, the group has found itself under attack from protesters and been regarded with suspicion by police as well, with both groups saying its activities might be a ploy.
A woman, who identified herself as Joey Li and claimed to be the wife of a police officer, insists that the group is genuine and is planning more activities after attracting 400 people to its first rally.
She said: “We want to build a bridge between the two sides to cool down the heat. We have no capability to ask both sides not to hate each other, but we want to take a first step, like starting a fire.”
