Reporter To Sue Police Over Mong Kok Riot 'attack'

A former Ming Pao reporter said on Sunday that he would file a claim in court seeking compensation from the police commissioner over an alleged attack by officers during the Mong Kok riot in 2016.

Tang Lik-hang said he was injured after being beaten by officers wielding batons as he was covering the unrest, despite showing them documents to prove he was a journalist.

Footage taken by a newspaper appeared to show officers with shields pushing Tang to the ground before kicking and striking him with their batons. He received several injuries including a head wound that had to be closed with stitches.

But in July last year, the force's internal complaints unit, the Complaints Against Police Office, said there was not enough evidence to substantiate the allegation and it wasn't possible to identify any officers allegedly involved.

The Hong Kong Journalists' Association, which has been helping Tang, said he now wants to seek justice through legal proceedings.

Tang said he would file a claim to the District Court on Monday ahead of a three-year deadline for such action.