Alleged sexual abuse victim asked to provide info

Chief inspector Cheung Po-yuet described the student’s unmasking as a 'major breakthrough'. Photo: RTHK

The police have called on a Chinese University student who alleged sexual abuse by officers while in custody to come forward with information, saying it would be impossible for them to initiate an investigation without her testimony.



Speaking at a press conference, officers said they're highly concerned about the student's claims that she had been sexually abused by officers while being detained at Kwai Chung Police Station.



They said they have been unable to reach the alleged victim so far, and urged her to come forward with concrete evidence as soon as possible.



At a Chinese University forum on Thursday, the student took off her mask and revealed her identity, saying she was sexually abused by police after being detained for taking part in anti-government protests.



The chief inspector of the force's family conflict and sexual violence policy unit, Cheung Po-yuet, described the student’s unmasking as a 'major breakthrough', and praised her for showing great courage in revealing her identity. She stressed that officers will deal with sexual-related complaints with great sensitivity, and will do everything they can to protect victims.



The acting chief superintendent of the police public relations branch, Kong Wing-cheung, said it is impossible for officers to initiate their own investigation, even when there had been similar allegations by anonymous detainees in the past.



“Previously, because we do not even have the very basic information about her allegations, for example the day, time or location of the allegation, who were allegedly involved in the allegation, so we have encountered great difficulties even to initiate very basic investigation for the allegation. I would like to appeal for anybody, if he or she would like to raise any serious allegations against any police officer, he or she has to step forward to provide information”, Kong said.



Meanwhile, the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) has also expressed concern about the student's allegation.



It called on her and other potential victims to lodge complaints to the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO), adding that the IPCC will carefully monitor CAPO's investigations.