Editorial | Questions still remain after inquest verdict in Hong Kong

Questions have abounded ever since the naked body of 15-year-old Chan Yin-lam was found at sea during the peak of last year’s social unrest. Scepticism further deepened after the case was swiftly dismissed as not suspicious by police. Sadly, a 12-day inquesthas still been unable to resolve the matter, prompting police to appeal for further information from the public for investigation, and rightly so.

The open verdict by the Coroner’s Court confirms the real cause of death could not be determined and raises questions as to why police considered the discovery of a decomposing naked body off Tseung Kwan O in September as not suspicious. Like many youngsters, Chan, a student at the Hong Kong Design Institute, had joined the extradition bill protests and, as a result, many rumours and wild conspiracy theories soon followed her death.

The inquest was one of the most closely watched in recent years. From Chan’s mental health records to the relationship with her mother; from thousands of hours of security camera footage to testimonies of dozens of experts and witnesses, everything was closely examined. The court heard that there was a lack of evidence regarding assault or threats to her life. A case of suicide could not be established beyond reasonable doubt either.

If the circumstances of her death cannot be ascertained following legal proceedings, the truth may well remain unknown. But the court made clear there was no evidence to support claims she was murdered. However, some still refuse to accept this, saying an open verdict supports their own theories.

The tragedy is one of the episodes that marked last year’s unrest. Also in question is not just what happened to Chan, but the problems that gave rise to the political crisis. A bill that sought to send fugitives across the border for trial unleashed turmoil that lasted for months and is still resonating today. Calls for a full inquiry into the fiasco, including perceived police brutality in enforcing the law, are still not being acted on, as is the government’s pledge of a review of the relevant issues. Such matters are still holding back the city from moving forward.