Police misconduct allegations during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests
Aspect of 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The conduct of the Hong Kong Police Force is a subject of controversy during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests. Tactics employed by the force have led to misconduct allegations and protesters have accused the Hong Kong government of using the police as a method to resolve a "lingering political crisis."[1] Actions taken by the police force and the Hong Kong government have caused mixed reactions inside Hong Kong and in the general international community. Allegations against the police include excessive use of force, force against unspecific targets, and arrest without warrant.[2] These allegations have been presented in various media both supporting and detracting from the complaints, such as through amateur video. In general, the spirit, rumors, videos, and other media shared by the public have caused a drop in support for the police force,[3] and an Amnesty International report accused the police of using excessive force against civilians.[4] One of the objectives of the 2019–2020 protests is establishment of an independent inquiry system into said allegations.
Although the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) – a body accused of lacking independence and being impotent – has launched investigations into alleged police misconduct in relation to the protests,[5] some members of the public remain dissatisfied with the escalation of police violence. Protesters contend said violence is often disproportionate and have called for an independent commission of inquiry to be established.[6] Many observers have demanded the Hong Kong government conduct a "prompt, independent, impartial investigation" on police use of force against protesters, but police unions often raise complaints about this, citing statute and stating that the IPCC is enough.[7][8][9] Joining Hong Kong police unions in this matter is Hong Kong's chief executive, Carrie Lam, who has steadfastly resisted these calls, citing "very, very, very limited" room for manoeuvre.[1] In September 2019, Lam established a panel of foreign experts to work with the IPCC to report on its findings,[10] but several members resigned in November 2019, citing inadequate powers given to the body.[11]
The IPCC published the Thematic Study by the IPCC[12] on the Public Order Events arising from the Fugitive Offenders Bill on 2020-05-16. The report issued 52 recommendations, which target the police's operations and observations in some major incidents, including the 2019-07-21 Yuen Long incident and the 2019-06-12 police operations. According to the newsletter made by IPCC in March 2021, among the 52 recommendations, 10 of them have been completed, 4 with significant progress and 38 in progress.[13]
More protesters have called for the force to be disbanded, citing the increasing rates of violence.[14]