The row between journalists and police intensified yesterday after the police chief refused to withdraw his 'black shadow' remark, used to defend the force's tactics during Vice-Premier Li Keqiang's visit last month.
Commissioner Andy Tsang Wai-hung had said in a Legislative Council meeting that an officer believed to have blocked a television camera was instinctively reacting to a 'black shadow' rushing towards him. But Now TV had recorded someone saying 'this is a reporter, watch him', shortly before the camera was blocked.
Lawmaker Kam Nai-wai asked Tsang to retract his remark, but he refused. 'I will not make further comment on the 'black shadow' remark, therefore I will not retract that,' Tsang said, adding that he did not want to affect the Independent Police Complaints Council investigation.
Many reporters wore black yesterday after a call from the Hong Kong Journalists Association. Some who wore T-shirts with the phrase, 'I'm not a black shadow' - mocking Tsang - were barred from the press gallery.
'I think this is ridiculous. My T-shirt only says, 'I am not a black shadow'. I don't see any political stance,' said Ho Ka-tat, a committee member of the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association, who was barred from entry.
A Legco secretariat spokeswoman said the reporters had been rejected under section 12 of Legco's Power and Privileges Ordinance, which states that no person shall display any sign or message on any item of clothing in a press or public gallery.