Journalists Butt Kwong-lai and Chong Chi-chung lodged complaints yesterday over their treatment at the hands of police clearing abode seekers from Chater Garden on Thursday.
Cameraman Butt and reporter Chong, Cable TV workers, sent criticisms to the Complaints Against Police Office. Butt was handcuffed and Chong verbally abused at the scene on Thursday. Ming Pao photographer Fung Siu-wing was also handcuffed and, with his colleague Chan Chi-wai, is seeking legal advice on whether to lodge a complaint.
Lawmakers yesterday condemned the police for provoking the abode seekers and infringing press freedom. The Journalists' Association and the Press Photographer Association condemned the tactics and said they would seek a meeting with police.
The News Executive Association has also made arrangements to meet Police Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui to express concern over the handcuffings.
A police spokesman said the force would investigate the complaints impartially and reiterated that officers would continue to facilitate media as far as possible, adding: 'There is absolutely no question of the police trying to limit press freedom.'
Albert Ho Chun-yan, the Democratic Party's deputy human rights spokesman, said: 'It was groundless for the police to suspect they would injure other people and commit serious offences. It was also unlawful to handcuff them.'
