HK police brutality video sparks outrage

HONG KONG: Hong Kong police came under fire today after plainclothes officers were filmed beating and kicking a handcuffed protester during some of the worst clashes since mass democracy rallies erupted two weeks ago.
The city's security chief said the accused officers had been "removed" from their posts after the assault that occurred amid violent confrontations when police swooped in to clear newly erected barricades near government headquarters.
Tensions have spiked in recent days as police began raiding protest sites and tearing down barricades, after more than a fortnight of disruptive mass rallies calling for free elections in the former British colony.
Demonstrators and police fought running battles overnight, with officers using their fists, batons and pepper spray to beat back crowds in an operation they defended as a necessary response to ensure public order.
But footage from television network TVB later emerged of a group of plainclothes officers assaulting a handcuffed and unarmed protester, sparking outrage and calls for prosecution from activists and lawmakers.
It shows six plainclothes officers hauling the man to a dark corner of a public park, and placing him on the ground.
One officer stands over the man and punches him, as three others are seen repeatedly kicking him in an assault TVB said lasted four minutes.
Prominent student leader Joshua Wong said trust between police and activists had hit an all-time low.
"The proper action police should take is to bring the protester to the police car, not to take him away and then punch and kick him for four minutes," he told reporters.
Amnesty International also condemned the "vicious" attack.
"It is stomach-churning to think there are Hong Kong police officers that feel they are above the law," Mabel Au, director of Amnesty Hong Kong said in a statement.
"Any investigation into this incident must be carried out promptly and all individuals involved in unlawful acts must be prosecuted."
Police have previously been criticised for firing tear gas on umbrella-wielding protesters on Sept 28 in a move that attracted worldwide attention.
Demonstrators have also accused them of failing to come to their aid during frequent attacks from violent pro-government thugs.
Hong Kong's security chief sought to douse tensions over the video, expressing "concern" and promising a "just and fair investigation". – AFP