Hong Kong’s police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaint Council (IPCC), has reaffirmed its stance that its findings on a police brutality case are “substantiated” after a second round of voting yesterday.
Superintendent Franklin Chu is accused of beating a bystander with his baton on Nov. 26, at the height of last year’s Occupy movement, outside the Mong Kok police station while he was on crowd control duties. His act, caught on camera, caused huge controversy.
The victim, a Mong Kok resident, was not a participant in the protests.
The second vote, which happened yesterday, occurred after the police rejected the council’s initial decision, in which they found the case was “substantiated”. Local media reported that the police petitioned to change the ruling to “not fully substantiated”.
In the latest vote, 17 voted in favour, while three voted against the “subtantiated” verdict, with one abstaining, reports Ming Pao.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive CY Leung will have to make the final decision if the council and the police are unable to come to an agreement. .
The policeman in question, Franklin Chu, retired yesterday. He has previously testified that he had just “touched” the pedestrian’s back. The baton, he testified, was “an extension of his arm” which he used to “pat” the victim, according to Ming Pao.
Osman Cheng, the man who was hit, is sceptical that justice will be served. He said he does not believe CY Leung will deliver a fair judgement should no conclusion be reached, according to Apple Daily.
He said he is considering pursuing a private prosecution and is currently seeking legal advice from his lawyer.
In another high-profile case, seven policemen appeared to be beating a protester in footage captured by TVB last year. The officers in question have not been prosecuted.
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