Pan-dems denounce arrests as ‘swearing black is white’

‘The Hong Kong police is to swear black is white for arresting Lam Cheuk-ting and Hui Chi-fung,’ saids Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai.

Wu accused the police of taking revenge on the duo for their criticisms about the force. Lam had been a vocal critic of what he sees as the police’s lack of response towards the Yuen Long attacks on July 21 last year, and Hui had initiated a private prosecution against a policeman.

Shortly after this morning’s arrest of Wu’s fellow lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting and Hui Chi-fung, The Pro-democracy Camp released a joint statement condemning the police’s action as confounding black and white, claiming the HK government intends to create a chilling effect to suppress opposing voices.

They also stressed the two involved in a protest outside Tuen Mun police station on July 6 last year, were at the scene as lawmakers to observe.

While referring to Lam in relation to the July 21 incident at Yuen Long MTR station, they said Lam was the one injured by White mobs, that the police were conducting indiscriminate, arbitrary arrests.

The camp also condemned the police for its ineffectiveness and unfairness in its law enforcement, claiming the police abusing its power as ‘he who has a mind to beat his dog will easily find a stick.’

Lawmaker To Kun-sun criticized the police’s arrest as a political persecution, saying Lam was both the witness and plaintiff regarding the July 21 incident, it is absurd that Lam is now a defendant. 

“Given this incident attracted extensive attention worldwide, the police’s action might affect foreign investors’ confidence,” he added.

In a statement released by Hui after his arrest, he was accused of suspicion of perverting the course of justice, accessing computer with criminal and dishonest intent, and for criminal damage at the scene of Tuen Mun protest on July 6 last year.

“Between a high, solid wall and an egg that breaks against it, I will always stand on the side of the egg regardless of the opposition,” said Hui, claiming he will continue to fight for justice amidst strong suppression from the regime.

Lam and Hui were arrested early this morning by police investigating last year's social unrest, including clashes at Yuen Long MTR station on July 21.