Policeman who defended himself by pointing shotgun at Hong Kong protesters among officers invited to Beijing celebrations for 70th anniversary of People’s Republic of China
- Officer, surnamed Lau, became hero in mainland China after July 30 incident when he was surrounded by protesters, despite criticism in Hong Kong
A Hong Kong policeman filmed pointing a shotgun at protesters who attacked him a month ago is among officers invited to attend a grand celebration for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Junior Police Officers’ Association (JPOA) chairman Lam Chi-wai confirmed an invitation had been sent to about 10 officers to join related celebration events in Beijing.
“It’s definitely not for the purpose of a united front,” Lam said. “It expresses our country’s high recognition of us … They are taking the opportunity to encourage us.”
The officer, surnamed Lau, pointed a Remington shotgun loaded with beanbag rounds at hundreds of protesters besieging Kwai Chung Police Station on the night of July 30. He was hailed as a hero by Chinese state media.
The incident prompted widespread criticism in the city, but police defended the officer’s actions by saying the sergeant was in fear of his life after being surrounded by protesters and losing his helmet.
