Media protest over 'obstruction, attacks' by cops

Reporters attend a police briefing wearing the helmets and reflective vests they use while covering dangerous events. Photo: RTHK

Journalists wore safety gear at a police press conference on Friday, to protest against what they described as brutality by officers towards media workers on duty at protest sites.



Many reporters wore full protective gear inside the press room at police headquarters, as officers briefed the media about the clashes over the weekend.



A spokesperson representing the Hong Kong Journalists Association and the Press Photographers Association read out a statement before the briefing started, alleging that officers had treated journalists brutally and obstructed their work by pepper spraying them on Saturday.



The spokesman said despite following officers' instructions to retreat, at least eight reporters and photojournalists were still sprayed.



He said there weren't any protesters at the scene and reporters had been wearing press vests and passes to reveal their identity.



On the other hand, he added, it was the officers there who were unable to show their warrant cards, making it impossible for reporters to file a complaint.



He said the officers had abused their powers and lost control over their emotions, and he urged the force to respect journalists' work.



In response, chief superintendent John Tse said officers at the scene did ask the reporters politely to move away, and pepper spray was used in order to create a "safe distance" for officers to carry out their work and disperse the crowd.



He said journalists shouldn't stay too close to the police at protest sites, saying it can be dangerous.



The police said 157 people had been arrested since Friday, aged between 14 and 63.