Thousands gather at #MeToo rally to demand Hong Kong police answer accusations of sexual violence against protesters

Local women’s group says the force is ‘using sexual violence as an instrument of intimidation’ – an accusation senior officers deny

Organisers say rally drew 30,000 people, but police estimate 11,500 attended at its peak

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A #MeToo rally, organised by Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women at Chater Garden in Central. 28AUG19 SCMP / Dickson Lee

Published: 11:43pm, 28 Aug 2019Updated: 1:17am, 29 Aug 2019

Thousands gathered at Chater Garden on Wednesday to demand answers from Hong Kong police over alleged instances of sexual violence during extradition bill protests.

“In the name of law enforcement, police are using sexual violence as an instrument of intimidation,” said Linda Wong, spokeswoman for the Women’s Coalition on Equal Opportunities, the organiser of the event.

“The coalition resolutely demands the police force seriously investigate and make accountable acts of sexual violence committed by officers during the anti-extradition bill protests.”

Wong cited two cases involving female protesters this month.

Protesters on Wednesday denounce the alleged sexual harassment of a detained demonstrator at a police station. Photo: Reuters

The coalition estimated that the rally was attended by 30,000 people. The police said 11,500 people took part in the rally at its peak. Many members of the crowd carried purple ribbons and shone purple lights to show support for the victims, as well as displaying messages echoing the #MeToo movement.

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