British police officers could face prosecution in UK over Hong Kong torture claims
- Activist Nathan Law appeals for evidence that could help a private prosecution over alleged mistreatment of protesters
- Campaign group says ‘at least’ five British citizens who may have a case to answer have been identified
British officers serving with the Hong Kong Police Force could face a private prosecution in Britain over alleged acts of torture committed during last year’s protests.
Nathan Law Kwun-chung, a Hong Kong activist now self-exiled in London, launched a campaign on Monday calling for evidence to help in the ongoing investigation, so far handled by lawyers engaged by campaigners.
People who were trapped and tear-gassed in Citic Tower in Wan Chai on June 12 last year should come forward and give evidence, Law told a virtual press conference.
Both Conservative and Labour members of parliament have called for allegations of police brutality in Hong Kong to be investigated – a claim rejected by the force – piling pressure on the British officers who continued to serve after the 1997 handover.
Some of these officers played a role in quelling the protests, triggered by a bill that would have allowed suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial. The bill was later withdrawn.