Hong Kong police ‘threatened, bullied and snubbed’ in public backlash against force’s handling of extradition bill protests
- Officers subjected to online abuse and public humiliation in revenge for force’s response to protests, says union representing rank-and-file
- Junior Police Officers’ Association accuses some of ‘blindly’ believing protesters’ version of events
Hong Kong police have been publicly scolded, rejected by other departments and given the cold shoulder in restaurants, as well as subjected to bullying and intimidation online, over the notorious extradition bill, a union has said.
In a letter to members of Junior Police Officers’ Association, obtained by the Post, its chairman Lam Chi-wai paid tribute to the force’s efforts in dealing with protesters, despite the risk of injury, but added they were now being smeared as part of a backlash.
“Since the June 12 riot, the police are facing huge pressure,” said Lam, adding even officers’ families were having to endure abuse.
“We are silently facing rioters’ pointing fingers, humiliation, attacks and their endless quest for revenge.”
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets over two consecutive Sundays to oppose the extradition bill and Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor’s decision on Saturday to only put the planned amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance on hold.