Beijing Police Release Video Of Cameraman's Arrest

Police in Beijing have defended their handling of a Hong Kong journalist who was roughed-up by officers while trying to cover a hearing involving a human-rights lawyer on Wednesday.

The capital's law enforcement had come under heavy criticism after Now TV cameraman Chui Chun-ming was left bloodied and bruised after he was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed by several officers.

Two days after the altercation, Beijing police released a statement saying two men - presumably Mr Chui, and the human rights lawyer whom he had wanted to cover, Xie Yanyi - had refused to comply with their instructions.

They said a man who said he works for a Hong Kong media organisation was allowed to leave after being "criticised" and "educated."

A new video of the altercation was also released, showing that Mr Chui had been arguing with an officer to try to get his press pass back, and twice tried to snatch it from the officer's hand.

One other person, believed to be the rights lawyer, then grabbed it from behind and handed it back to the journalist. That's when the journalist was manhandled and handcuffed.

The Beijing police added that it respects "normal" newsgathering activities and will protect the rights of reporters.

But Now TV responded by saying it's unacceptable that law enforcement officers had used excessive force to subdue a member of its staff. The broadcaster also says its employee twice handed over his press pass for inspection, but the police never returned it.