Hong Kong protesters claim group of firefighters and paramedics have signed petition condemning bosses for ‘blindly supporting’ police
- Anti-government group says about 200 officers were involved and asked it to make petition public
A group claiming to represent protesters has claimed about 200 Hong Kong fire services officers have joined a petition condemning their bosses and union for “blindly supporting” the police force’s handling of the anti-government protests.
The anonymous petition, allegedly joined by officers of ranks as high as assistant divisional officer, said the stance of the department and the union did not represent frontline firefighters and paramedics. They also condemned police for allegedly abusing their power.
Two frontline sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of the issue, said they had signed or knew colleagues who had joined the petition. The petition also calls on the government to accede to the protester’s demands.
The Post has been unable to independently verify the petition or the amount of support it has.
On Tuesday, Citizens’ Press Conference, a self-styled representative group of the protesters, claimed they received the joint petition from close to 200 fire officers and paramedics, and were asked to help make it public.
Along with the petition was a YouTube video which showed staff cards or warrant cards, but with the names covered with protest slogans.
Jerry Nip Yuen-fung, the chairman of the Fire Services Department Staffs General Association, said he could not confirm if those who had joined the petition were bona fide firefighters.
“Colleagues who want to comment on the police should not do it anonymously,” Nip said. “It’s time to stop dividing the society and we support the police to carry out their duties according to the laws.”
Lee Wai-hau, chairman of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Ambulancemen’s Union, said their last joint petition in June to support police drew lots of complaints, so they were unlikely to comment on political issues again.
“We hope our fellow colleagues keep calm and carry out their duties well in chaotic times,” Lee said.
A spokesman for the fire department said it was aware of the different opinions in society, and firefighters and the public were welcome to voice their opinions through established channels.
The spokesman stressed that in times of difficulties in the city, officers ought to be united and continue to serve the public.
Hong Kong firefighters urged to ‘protect life’ as videos circulate of inaction during Sham Shui Po street brawl
There are about 9,000 paramedics and firefighters in Hong Kong.
The fire service has been embroiled in controversy in recent days after an online video appeared to show a group of firefighters watching from their vehicles as a man, seen bleeding from the head, was attacked by a mob during clashes in Sham Shui Po.
Deputy fire chief Joseph Leung Wai-hung issued an internal message last Saturday urging his men to “protect life”, after the incident stirred public criticism.
Last week, the heads of five disciplinary forces, including fire services director Li Kin-yat, issued a joint statement, pledging “unfailing support” to police and the government to stop violence and curb disorder. The group also pledged “full support to the stringent law enforcement action by the police”.
The chiefs also praised officers for having done “their utmost and for performing their duties resolutely in the highest form of professionalism”.
