FCC Condemns Arrest Of Photographer During Clashes

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club has condemned the arrest of a freelance photojournalist who was detained by police while covering clashes between officers and protesters on Sunday.

May James was ordered to take off her face mask and was searched, despite wearing a high-visibility yellow press vest and showing her ID.

She spent Sunday night in detention at a police station in Kowloon before being released.

A statement by the FCC noted that several other journalists were also ordered to remove their masks on Sunday, despite assurances by the government that those on duty would be exempt from the mask ban introduced at the beginning of the month.

"These masks are used by reporters to protect against tear gas and pepper spray, and by law, anyone who requires the masks for professional use should be exempt from the regulation. Police appeared to use force when removing the masks and interfered with the work of reporters covering the street protests," the FCC said.

The FCC again called for an independent investigation into police violence against journalists.

"These incidents, including the arrest of the photojournalist last evening, undermine Hong Kong’s reputation as a place where the media can work freely, without harassment or intimidation," it said.