Police watchdog to expand probe into protests

IPCC chairman Anthony Neoh says the council unanimously agreed to expand the scope of its probe beyond July 2. File photo: RTHK

The police watchdog on Friday unanimously decided to expand its ongoing probe into the anti-extradition law demonstrations rocking the territory, to include more recent protests rather than focusing only on the earliest ones.



The Chairman of the The Independent Police Complaints Council, Anthony Neoh, said the body is “very concerned” about the recent violence, “as well as their impact on Hong Kong's stability and rule of law.”



Almost two thousand people have filed complaints against the police over their handling of the protests – from allegations of assault, misconduct, and unnecessary use of authority, to fabricating evidence, making threats and neglect of duty.



The council has received over 1,200 submissions containing more than 24,000 photos, texts, video clips and internet hyperlinks backing up the complaints.



The IPCC is the only body that is investigating the policing of the recent unrest, with the Carrie Lam administration repeatedly refusing to accede to protesters’ demands to set up a formal commission of inquiry.



Critics have questioned whether the IPCC has the resources or ability to conduct an adequately thorough probe, as the council has no legal power to summon witnesses.



The “fact-finding study” initiated by the watchdog originally covered only the initial rounds of protests – which were largely peaceful – between June 9 and 2 July.



But in a statement, Neoh said “as the situation is still evolving, the Council unanimously agreed at its meeting today to extend the scope of the fact-finding Study to cover Public Order Events after 2 July and publish findings in phases.”



The initial report covering events in June is expected within six months, while the council did not give a timetable for any subsequent reports.



Council members have also visited the headquarters of the Police Tactical Unit to observe a demonstration of anti-riot equipment and weapons used by riot police.



The IPCC said it will “continue to follow up and request the Police to provide the principles and guidelines for using these weapons, and if necessary to further demonstrate their use, as soon as possible.”