Safety Of Women Important To Police: Chris Tang

Police Commissioner Chris Tang on Tuesday defended the actions of his officers in two controversial actions involving women – a 12-year-old girl and a pregnant woman – during recent protests, saying they attach great importance to the safety and rights of women.

In his opening remarks to district councillors at a Yau Tsim Mong district council meeting, Tang said the incident involving the pregnant woman on August 31 happened because the scene was too noisy.

Police had used pepper spray on the pregnant woman and she fell to the ground when the officers tried to arrest her husband in Mong Kok. Police said that they did not realise she was pregnant until afterwards, and once they became aware of that an ambulance was called to the scene.

The incident had raised a lot of criticism about police action and Chief Executive Carrie Lam raised concern about the incident later.

Tang told district councillors that after reviewing some of the footage, he acknowledged that there were people yelling "there is a pregnant woman" at the scene.

But it was a noisy area because a lot of people were chanting different slogans in the area and not everyone could hear what was going on, the police chief said.

He said that after the pregnant woman fell, a female officer was sent to comfort her.

About the incident of the 12-year-old girl who was pinned down by police officers in Mong Kok on September 6, Tang said the girl suddenly ran away, and her "suspicious move" prompted the police to react and use the "minimum necessary force" to stop her.

Tang said that a female officer was arranged to look after her when they found out that she was just 12.

The police chief said the Complaints Against Police Office has received complaints about both incidents and that those were being looked into, but he provided no further details.

The duty of police is to maintain law and order and protect the safety of the public, even those taking part in an illegal assembly, he said.

They also attach great importance to protecting the safety and rights of pregnant women, children, and young people, the police chief said.

During the meeting, he also defended the force's decision to amend their policy on recognising journalists from registered outlets.

He said that footage from last year's protests saw hundreds of people dressed up as reporters blocking them from carrying out their duties, and that there have even been incidents of people dressed as press who were actually suspected of committing crimes.

Tang also said that there’s a need to cordon off the streets to help with enforcement action, and stop people from attacking officers.

He said the press is welcome to report on events as long as they don't obstruct police work or hurt members of the force.