Thousands rally in central Hong Kong against controversial police holding centre – even though city leader Carrie Lam says it won’t be used for protesters again
- Concerns were raised about San Uk Ling Holding Centre, after 31 of 54 protesters arrested on August 11 and detained there were later hospitalised
- Rally attracted a large turnout despite not having the backing of major pro-democracy organisations
Thousands attended a rally in downtown Hong Kong on Friday night to raise concerns over a remote police holding centre, following allegations of maltreatment of anti-government protesters detained there.
The event went ahead despite Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announcing on Thursday that police would stop using San Uk Ling Holding Centre, near the border with mainland China, for arrested protesters.
The rally at Edinburgh Place in Central, organised by San Uk Ling Human Rights Concern Group, attracted a large turnout despite lacking the support of major pro-democracy organisations.
The organiser estimated at least 50,000 attended. Police put the figure at 9,520 at the peak of the rally.
The group called on police to disclose how they handled protesters once detained there and accused officers of delaying medical treatment and legal help to those arrested.