Very Difficult To Hold Police Accountable, Says HKJA

The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) said on Monday that it was extremely disappointed with the High Court’s dismissal of its legal challenge over the police’s behaviour towards the media at protests, saying it will consider its next step with its lawyers.

The association had brought a judicial review case, accusing the police of failing to make sure the media can carry out their duties while reporting on protests. The group offered statements from reporters who had been hit with rubber bullets, batons and tear gas.

But Judge Anderson Chow said the allegations raised by the HKJA simply could not be dealt with via the judicial review.

In response to the ruling, the association said there are deficiencies in the current mechanism for filing complaints against the police, and it is very difficult to hold officers accountable through existing channels and legal remedies.

In a statement, the HKJA said while journalists could not give evidence in court to back up their claims, the public can decide for themselves whether police have obstructed the media, by looking at all the footage available.

The association said it is beyond dispute that police have hindered journalists’ work and used excessive force against them since the anti-extradition movement began in June last year.

It said the various forms of abuse includes insulting reporters, beating and kicking them, and hitting them with rubber bullets, water cannon, bean bag rounds and pepper spray.

Meanwhile, officers deliberately block the view of reporters, drive them away unnecessarily, and shine bright lights to disrupt their filming, the HKJA said.

The association said even though it had issued numerous statements and letters, and had filed reports to the Independent Police Complaints Council, the police commissioner and the government still failed to take measures to improve the situation.

The police, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling.

The force said it will continue to facilitate the work of the media as long as it doesn't affect the efficiency of police operations.

Officers also said they will continue to liaise with the media, so both sides can perform their duties.

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