Lawmaker Demands Probe Into Police Actions

Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting on Monday called for an impartial, independent investigation into police action against protesters and journalists during the clearance of Mong Kok on Sunday night.

Lam accused police officers of using unreasonable force and said footage from the scene shows officers hitting protesters on the head with batons, inciting protesters to fight, and pushing or hitting journalists.

The lawmaker said these actions are against police rules and the officers concerned might even have committed criminal offences.

Lam also said it is ridiculous for some police officers to say that they need not show their warrant cards when they are on duty. He said these officers may have violated police guidelines.

One piece of footage that emerged from Sunday night seemed to show an officer telling protesters that he didn't have to display his warrant card.

But Lam said these warrant cards are essential as they allow the public to identify an officer if he or she steps out of line. "This is a very crucial check and balance system," he said.