Independent panel probing Hong Kong protests will not have subpoena powers, government minister says

Committee reviewing the crisis will not have authority to force people to give evidence, welfare secretary reveals

Protesters want a judge-led inquiry that can investigate allegations of police brutality

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The Hong Kong protests have been running for six months, with demonstrations often descending into violence. Photo: Reuters

Published: 3:16pm, 16 Dec 2019Updated: 10:46pm, 16 Dec 2019

An independent review committee looking into Hong Kong’s protests would not be able to compel witnesses to give evidence, a government minister revealed on Monday.

Secretary for Labour and Welfare Law Chi-kwong outlined for the first time the powers of the proposed panel, which is to look into the political and socio-economic causes of the anti-government unrest that has roiled the city for six months.

“The government has not considered at this initial stage giving it the subpoena powers, but I believe different parties would want to cooperate since the issues involved are important,” he told a radio programme.

Welfare minister Law Chi-kwong (right), pictured with Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, says an independent review committee looking at the causes of the anti-government demonstrations will not have powers to compel witnesses. Photo: Felix Wong

He added the government would rely on other evidence, such as reports from the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), the force watchdog.

Law’s comments went further than those made by other top city officials. Last week, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah did not rule out giving investigative or subpoena powers to the body when asked by the press.

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