Hong Kong police on Monday denied accusations their officers showed comparative lenience towards gangs of pro-Beijing men who attacked pro-democracy supporters during a weekend marked by multiple bloody street brawls.
The once stable international hub has been convulsed by weeks of huge, sometimes violent rallies calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.
On Sunday, riot police fired tear gas and water cannon at hardcore pro-democracy protesters who were hurling rocks and petrol bombs, capping a 15th consecutive weekend of huge peaceful rallies followed by clashes.
But there was also an uptick in bloody street fights.
At a press conference on Monday, Hong Kong’s police displayed videos where individuals were attacked by pro-democracy supporters, including one where a man was kicked unconscious by a mob.
But the police presentation spent little time documenting or condemning attacks by government supporters.
Videos shared online showed some officers seemingly helping government supporters protect their identities or leave the scene.
But the force denied it had exhibited any double standards.
