Hong Kong academics criticize policing for China leader's visit

Aug 29, 2011, 7:02 GMT

Hong Kong - More than 100 Hong Kong academics Monday called on government officials to apologize for what they claim was heavy-handed policing during a visit by Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang.

In advertisements in a number of Chinese-language newspapers, the academics accused officials of 'trampling' on free speech, the right to protest and press freedom during the visit a fortnight ago.

About 2,000 police officers were deployed on each day of the three-day visit by 56-year-old Li, who is widely tipped to succeed Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao next year.

Pro-democracy groups planned protests but claimed they were not allowed near the dignitary, and some students claim they were unlawfully detained by police as Li visited the University of Hong Kong.

The academics criticized Hong Kong's Beijing-appointed Chief Executive Donald Tsang for saying police had been 'professional' in their handling of protesters.

The tight security for Li's visit has already led to official protests by journalist associations in Hong Kong who say their members were obstructed as they tried to cover the event.

Hong Kong's police commissioner and secretary for security were due to appear before a special legislative council meeting later Monday to discuss complaints over the handling of Li's visit.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, reverted to Chinese rule in 1997 and has a mini-constitution guaranteeing freedoms of speech and protest denied to people elsewhere in China.

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