Hong Kong policeman who shot protester did not deviate from guidelines, police say, adding that another officer who moved suspect was ‘unaware of injury’
- Force defends officer’s actions and says he is on leave because of injuries, with a more detailed investigation pending
- Police do not address questions on why no warning shot was fired
The Hong Kong policeman who shot a student protester in Sai Wan Ho on Monday did not deviate from guidelines, the force has said, adding that another officer who moved the suspect’s body was “unaware of the injury”.
Video footage showed an unarmed black-clad Chow approaching the officer, surnamed Kwan, who was grappling with another protester in white while pointing a pistol. Police accused Chow of trying to snatch the sergeant’s weapon, prompting him to open fire.
The other protester in white, who was also unarmed, had earlier approached Kwan as the policeman drew his service revolver. Kwan pressed his firearm against the protester’s chest before trying to subdue him.
The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) said in a press briefing on Tuesday that after initial investigations, based on the video clip and the testimony of Kwan, they found that the shooting had not deviated from any guidelines.