Hong Kong policemen charged in Ken Tsang Occupy beating to plead not guilty
District Court hearing also reveals the seven officers plan to challenge the video allegedly recording their involvement
The seven police officers accused of assaulting Occupy protester Ken Tsang Kin-chiu indicated today that they would plead not guilty, with identity being a “key issue” along with a related video recording set to be challenged at trial.
Chief inspector Wong Cho-shing, 48, senior inspector Lau Cheuk-ngai, 29, detective sergeant Pak Wing-bun, 42, and constables Lau Hing-pui, 38, Chan Siu-tan, 31, Kwan Ka-ho, 32, and Wong Wai-ho, 36, face one joint charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Chan also faces one additional count of common assault.
Managing the case, District Court Judge Anthony Kwok Kai-on asked: “Is identity an issue?”
READ MORE: One step closer: Hong Kong policemen charged in Ken Tsang beating get case transferred to higher court
“A key issue,” replied senior counsel Lawrence Lok Ying-kam, for Wong Cho-sing.
Kwok also asked David Leung Cheuk-yin SC, deputy director of public prosecutions, why there was a lack of evidence authenticating the footage from Television Broadcasts Limited – an exhibit the defence counsels said they would challenge.
“We are unable to seek [the cameraman’s] assistance on that,” Leung said, adding that the television station refused to reveal the identity of the cameraman upon being approached.
He said he would produce for the court at least 10 other videos shot on the same day to establish the authenticity of what was recorded.