Lawmaker Moves Court For Data On Tear Gas Components

Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui has launched a civil lawsuit, urging the court to compel the police to reveal the components of tear gas they have been using to disperse demonstrators during the ongoing anti-government protests.

Even though the force had repeatedly refused to reveal the ingredients, citing security and operational reasons, Hui's lawyer stressed public health should come first.

He said it is a fact that many people's health had been adversely affected by the use of tear gas.

The court has ordered the Department of Justice to submit the police's affidavit within 35 days in order to prepare for a proper hearing to take place.

Speaking to reporters outside court, Hui said he's cautiously optimistic that he'll win the case.

If the components are indeed found to be harmful, he said those affected by the tear gas could use the information to seek compensation from the police.

In the longer run, the Democratic Party lawmaker said he also hopes to seek an injunction to prevent officers from using the tear gas further.