Man ‘kicked plastic stool from under’ Democratic Party district councillor Ng Siu-hong as he promoted Hong Kong’s annual July 1 march
Attacker is believed to be owner or manager of nearby bar, while victim opposes liquor licences in quieter Mid-Levels neighbourhoods
A 50-year-old Hong Kong man was on Wednesday night arrested for suspected assault on a Democratic Party district councillor who was promoting Sunday’s annual July 1 march.
Central and Western District councillor Ng Siu-hong said he had been at the junction of Elgin and Shelley streets, near the Mid-Levels escalators, at about 6.45pm when he was confronted by his alleged attacker.
The man, believed to be the owner or manager of a nearby bar, chided Ng and pulled at him before kicking away the plastic stool Ng was standing on, causing him to fall and injure his arm.
Passers-by called police, and Ng was sent to Queen Mary Hospital.
The suspect was released on bail and he must report back to police next month, a force spokesman said.
The Democratic Party condemned the attack on the Mid-Levels East councillor, urging police to investigate fully to ensure the safety of public officers.
“Hong Kong is a pluralistic society, and we understand people often hold different political views,” the party said in a statement.”
Carrie Lam voices concerns over violent attack on Hong Kong reporter
“Elected members will be more than happy to listen to the views of different stakeholders so policies can benefit the community and residents. [But] if they resort to violence because of different opinions, the Democratic Party will absolutely not tolerate it.”
It is understood Ng had opposed liquor licences in quieter neighbourhoods of the Mid-Levels.
Photos on his Facebook page frequently show him promoting different political causes from his stool at the same junction, usually with a microphone and loudspeaker in front of a party banner.
