Hong Kong police watchdog says force turned down requests for information on handling of anti-government protests
- Independent Police Complaints Council received more than 23,000 items of information including photographs, articles, video clips and links
- It says it was told by police some material could not be handed over because of prosecution purposes
A watchdog investigating complaints against the Hong Kong police said on Thursday that the force turned down some of its requests for information related to recent anti-government protests.
The force said some of the photographs and video clips sought by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) were needed for prosecution purposes.
Tony Tse Wai-chuen, vice-chairman of the IPCC, said a special task force set up to look into police use of force in recent protests had received more than 23,000 items of information including photographs, articles, video clips and links, and would first look into 1,200 sets.
“We have been asking for information, but the police expressed concern that some photos and video clips of particular individuals or incidents could not be provided, after they consulted the Department of Justice, because they could be used for prosecution,” Tse said.
The government has dismissed public demands for an independent commission of inquiry led by a judge, saying the IPCC is able to handle the investigation.
