Hong Kong hits back at US report on ‘police brutality’, saying city has been dealing with unprecedented protest violence
- US State Department’s annual report on human rights in China mentions ‘police brutality’ in Hong Kong
- But city government says police were ‘duty-bound to take appropriate actions’ to restore law and order
The State Department on Wednesday issued its annual report about human rights situations in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. It touched on the anti-government protest movement that started in the city in June last year, the pro-democracy bloc’s landslide victory in the district council elections, and other developments in the city.
“From June to [the] year’s end, Hong Kong experienced frequent protests, with some exceeding more than one million participants. Most protesters were peaceful, but some engaged in violence and vandalism,” the report said.
“Significant human rights issues included police brutality against protesters and persons in custody; arbitrary arrests; substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of association; and restrictions on political participation.”
The report was largely factual and the US stopped short of offering clear comments on the allegations that have been made previously by many Hong Kong politicians and NGOs.
