Seven police officers – who were charged on Oct. 15 with the beating of Ken Tsang, a Civic Party member, at last year’s Occupy protests – appeared at Hong Kong’s District Court on Tuesday to enter not guilty pleas.
The officers’ defence team is challenging the authenticity of the TVB news footage, which allegedly shows the beating of Tsang at last year’s pro-democracy rallies.
The counsel, who spoke on behalf of the defendants, said they deny all charges of causing serious bodily harm with intent, adding that identify will be a key issue in the case.
The alleged incident – in which the seven officers are accused of kicking and punching Tsang when he was handcuffed – took place in a “dark corner” near the Lung Wui Road Government Building Pump Station East Substation in Admiralty.
The prosecution must prove the TVB footage has not been tampered with, a feat which the judge is dubious can be achieved, according to a Ming Pao report, as translated by HKFP.
The prosecution pointed out that TVB has refused to reveal the identity of the cameraman.
The trial, which is expected to begin in June 2016, is will involve 42 witnesses, including 38 police officers.
In addition, Tsang himself is charged with assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. The activist is accused of obstruction and throwing water at the officers.
Photo:Wikipedia
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