Discussion needed for media protocol at protests

Police and journalists need to communicate more to develop practices acceptable to both sides regarding media coverage of protests, former police commissioner Tang King-shing said.

He is looking forward to the meeting between Commissioner of Police Chris Tang Ping-keung and media representatives from four associations on Thursday.

Over the past weekend, there were numerous protests and rallies across Hong Kong.

Some reporters complained their news reporting was obstructed and they were not treated well by police on Sunday.

At a Yuen Long District Council meeting on Tuesday, the police chief admitted that what happened to some journalists was unsatisfactory, and a review is needed.

"I am not here to say whether police are right or wrong, or the media is right or wrong.

"But it should be noted that police were handling very large crowds that day. There were many people, including genuine and so-called reporters, standing in front of police lines and seriously affecting police operations,'' he explained.

"Both sides need to communicate to improve the situation so journalists can cover news without obstructing police from executing their duties. Similarly, police should facilitate news coverage by the media as much as possible.

"Very often, we see different kinds of people at protests who claim to be social workers, medics, preachers, mediators, etc. But they are not supposed to be there. Some of these people may, whether intentionally or unintentionally, obstruct law enforcement by police."