CE’s response to thematic study report by Independent Police Complaints Council (with photos)

     The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) submitted to the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, its "Thematic Study Report on the Public Order Events arising from the Fugitive Offenders Bill since June 2019 and the Police Actions in Response" today (May 15). The report is also available for viewing by members of the public.
 
     "When the IPCC decided to undertake a proactive study in July last year, I welcomed its decision at that time and pledged that the Government would fully co-operate with the IPCC. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the IPCC Chairman, Mr Anthony Neoh, SC, all council members and the secretariat for their hard work in preparing the report over the past few months," Mrs Lam said.
 
     "The IPCC has examined a large volume of information and has made detailed and objective representation of facts in the report. The report is comprehensive, objective, fact-based and weighty.
 
     "Overall speaking, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government accepts the 52 recommendations proposed by the IPCC. I have requested the Secretary for Security to set up a task force and to supervise it personally to study and follow up on every recommendation, as well as to consult the IPCC when necessary and report to me on a regular basis."
 
     Mrs Lam also considered that the Police can accord priority to dealing with several areas of the recommendations, including media arrangements in large-scale public order events, co-ordination among the Police themselves and with other departments, dissemination of information to the public, temporary detention facilities and police identification.
 
     "The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success, and one of the indispensable elements of the rule of law is that members of the public have to abide by the law. I, the HKSAR Government and the Police will resolutely say no to any violation of the law to prevent the deterioration of the law and order in Hong Kong, ensuring that members of the public will continue to enjoy their freedoms and rights within the legal boundaries," Mrs Lam stressed.
 
     The opening remarks (Chinese only) of the Chief Executive at the press conference on the thematic study report today are available at the following link: www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202005/15/P2020051500787.htm.