Media Gagged After Court Told Of Threats To Police

A West Kowloon magistrate banned anyone, including the media, from disclosing the identity of a police officer and his family during the hearing of the shooting of an anti-government protester in Sai Wan Ho last November.

The 21-year-old protester appeared in court on Tuesday, charged with attempted robbery, obstructing the police and attempting to escape from legal custody.

The prosecution applied for an injunction, saying the police officer's family had repeatedly received death threats.

Principal Magistrate Peter Law said he believed the trial may set off a new wave of attacks and he restricted the publication of the name of the officer, his wife and two daughters as well as their personal information and photos.

The case has been adjourned until June 30 to be heard at the District Court.

The defendant has been released on bail.