Police search sours homecoming

A Hong Kong man returning to the SAR after a decade away has complained to police about being subjected to a body search.

'I was really looking forward to being home for the holidays, but instead of friendly faces I was met with an abusive police officer,' said Icarus Tsang, who has been living in San Francisco.

The 20-year-old aspiring fashion designer said he was publicly humiliated by the officer, who asked to see his identification card. 'The officer touched my waist and thigh without explaining his action, said Mr Tsang. 'The phrase that comes to mind is sexual harassment. He deprived me of my civil rights and abused his authority.'

Mr Tsang said he had complained to the police and the Hong Kong Tourist Association.

A police spokeswoman confirmed a complaint had been lodged against the police officer - whose badge number Mr Tsang noted down - on December 30.

'The case is under investigation by the Complaints Against Police Office,' she said, adding that no further details would be disclosed pending the outcome of the inquiry.

According to Mr Tsang, the incident occurred on Christmas Day at about 7.30pm. 'The body search was conducted without warning or explanation in front of a crowd of tourists - it was just so humiliating,' he said, adding that he was concerned about the impression it had created.