Hong Kong Journalists Association condemns attack on reporter covering anti-government protests
- A Stand News reporter was attacked by an unidentified person when broadcasting police’s mob dispersal operation live in Yau Ma Tei
- More than a dozen riot police were at the scene but did not do anything to stop the attacker, alleges reporter who was punched in the face
The Hong Kong Journalists Association has condemned an attack on a reporter at midnight on Friday and expressed indignation at police’s inaction against the culprit.
In a statement issued on Saturday afternoon, the association said a reporter with Stand News was hit to the ground by a middle-aged man when he was filming a riot police operation to disperse anti-government protesters at Kowloon Wholesale Fruit Market in Yau Ma Tei.
“The association strongly condemns the violent act. Using violence on reporters seriously infringes freedom of press,” the statement said.
Attacks on journalists cannot be tolerated
“We feel indignant at the failure of police in stopping or detaining the attacker,” the association said, urging police to investigate the incident.
The injured reporter, surnamed Chan, was broadcasting riot police’s dispersal operation live when he was attacked.
Chan’s live broadcast footage showed the attacker, aged around 50 years, asked him not just to film police.
“How about filming you?” Chan replied to the guy, turning to him.
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A hitting sound was then heard as the attacker also verbally abused Chan.
Chan was then seen trying to cover his bleeding lips with his hands, as the man punched him in the face.
Chan questioned how more than a dozen riot police, who were standing only a few metres away, failed to stop or detain the attacker.
“It is not possible that they didn’t see what happened,” he said.
Stand News published a statement at around 1am on Saturday condemning the attack and expressing disappointment at police’s inaction.
