Police chief says accused officers ‘have right to be uncooperative’ during criminal justice process

Ken Tsang’s injuries after his beating (Photo: Occupy Central with Love and Peace)

Police commissioner Andy Tsang says the police “also have the right to be uncooperative” when charged with a crime, in response to criticism about the delays in investigating the seven policemen who were charged for excessive violence after they allegedly beat a handcuffed protester. 

Ken Tsang, the alleged victim in the case, claimed that during the identification parade, the officers gazed at the ground, closed their eyes, and refused to stand up.

The police chief made the comment during a meeting with the Eastern District council Thursday, when a Civil Party councillor asked him to comment on the severely uncooperative behaviour on the part of the accused policemen during an identification parade, reports Apple Daily.  

The commissioner said that everyone, “whether lawmakers or policemen”, is entitled to the same legal rights as all citizens, such as the right to remain silent and to be “noncooperative”.

“We should all take it easy”, he said. 

He also warned that the police will crack down on “unruly or illegal behaviour” during any upcoming promotional events for electoral reform. 

Ken Tsang criticised the comments as “ridiculous” and misleading as they equate the defendants’ behaviour with their right to silence and noncooperation.

He said his lawyer has never witnessed such behaviour during his entire 20-year career, he told Apple Daily.

“If they did nothing wrong, then why do they need to look down and close their eyes?” he asked.



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