IPCC credible enough to conduct probe: CE

IPCC credible enough to conduct probe: CE

Priscilla Ng reports

The Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, said on Thursday said that the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) is a credible body to look into how police dealt with recent protests, again rejecting calls to set up an independent committee to look into the saga.



Lam announced the withdrawal of the controversial extradition bill on Wednesday, saying she hopes it will "bring violence to an end" in Hong Kong. But extradition bill protesters and opposition parties want all five of their demands to be met, including an independent probe into the whole affair.



But speaking at a packed media conference on Thursday, she stressed that the IPCC is the most appropriate body to look into the matter, while dismissing suggestions that the watchdog largely consists of pro-government figures.



"It is not fair to describe IPCC as being dominated by certain people with certain political backgrounds. It is a credible, independent statutory body," the CE said.



Lam said the government promised to make public the IPCC report after its completion, and that her administration will seriously follow up on the recommendations.



The police watchdog, which does not have investigative powers, has announced it will conduct a study into the protests sparked by the extradition bill.



The Chief Executive also dismissed the opposition's criticism that her decision to officially withdraw the bill was ‘too little, too late’.



Asked why she had for three months insisted that ‘suspending’ the bill was adequate before changing her mind, Lam said: "We were given the advice ... that if we were to have a dialogue, the government should be the first one to come out to provide a basis for that dialogue."



The top official said the announcement of the withdrawal was a step towards starting talks to resolve the issues.



Lam also brushed aside questions on the role of Beijing in the SAR government’s decision-making process, saying Beijing fully "understands and respects" her views, and there should be no speculation.