Hong Kong press groups condemn abuse of journalists at rally backing police’s handling of extradition bill protests
- Reporters and photographers said they were insulted, spat on, kicked and splashed with water and mud
- Post editor-in-chief urges public to ‘respect journalists and protect free and independent journalism’
Hong Kong journalists were physically and verbally attacked at a pro-police rally on Sunday as the city’s deepening split over the extradition bill crisis was laid bare ahead of the anniversary of the handover to Chinese sovereignty.
Reporters and photographers from various media outlets – including the Post – said they were insulted, spat on, kicked and splashed with water and mud by demonstrators at a rally to support the embattled police force in Tamar Park.
Rally-goers were expressing support for the police handling of extradition bill protests over the past weeks. The now-suspended legislation would have allowed for the transfer of suspects to jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has no such agreement, including mainland China.
The vehemence of the extradition dispute inflamed tensions between the public and police, who were accused of using excessive force when handling protesters against the bill. Demonstrators later besieged police headquarters in Wan Chai twice in a week, at one time for 15 hours.
Journalists have become the latest victims in the dispute. On Sunday, many middle-aged supporters attempted to block them from covering the pro-police rally.