Police anger after Hong Kong No 2 Matthew Cheung says sorry for Yuen Long attack response
- ‘The police force’s handling of the incident that night falls short of people’s expectations,’ Cheung says
- Police chief seeks urgent meeting, saying he was kept in the dark about the apology
The unexpected remarks by Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung Kin-chung also prompted Commissioner of Police Stephen Lo Wai-chung to seek an urgent meeting with Cheung. The force said top brass had been kept in the dark about the apology, which came on the eve of planned marches in the northern district to decry the police’s slow response to the Sunday-night attack.
In that incident, a white-clad mob attacked protesters and some passers-by at Yuen Long subway station, just hours after a march against the now-suspended extradition bill ended on Hong Kong Island. They injured 45 people.
By the time police officers arrived, the attackers had left the scene.
The Hong Kong Police Inspectors’ Association issued a letter to Cheung venting its disappointment. It said officers were caught between the government and protesters, and Cheung’s remarks had shattered officers’ belief in their duty.