HKJA Slams Policeman For Mocking Black Lives Matter

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) has urged the police to explain the behaviour of one of their officers after he appeared to mock the Black Lives Matter movement in the US as he challenged a reporter livestreaming a protest in Mong Kok.

A video posted online during the protest on Friday night shows an officer walking up to the reporter and repeatedly saying "black life matters", "here is not America", and "I can't breathe".

In a statement, the HKJA asked for an explanation of the incident and urged the police to pay attention to the problem of frontline officers letting their emotions get the better of them.

The association also criticised the police for hindering journalists reporting on Friday night's protests, by preventing them from filming and forcing them away from the various scenes.

It said the treatment "violated the promise made by high-ranking officers during a meeting with news organisations on May 21," where police chief Chris Tang said the force would do its best to ensure reporters are able to carry out their work.

The HKJA also expressed concern about an alleged knife attack on a reporter livestreaming a protest in Kwun Tong and called for a proper investigation.

Police said that a 27-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of wounding and that a 22-year-old man had been taken to hospital for treatment.

The police on Saturday issued a statement saying they had reprimanded the officer who shouted "I can't breathe" and "Black Lives Matter", and reminded him to always present himself professionally and enhance his sensitivity.

Last updated: 2020-06-14 HKT 00:46