News footage depicting seven police officers allegedly attacking activist Ken Tsang during Occupy protests has been accepted as evidence after 17 days of deliberation in court.
The defence has objected to prosecutors’ attempts to submit news clips from TVB, ATV, Now TV, and Apple Daily of Tsang’s arrest and alleged assault as evidence in court, claiming that the footage could have been doctored.
Judge David Dufton ruled all the CCTV footage, news clips and photos in question admissible in District Court yesterday, saying they were “relevant” and authentic until proven otherwise, SCMP reports.
Dufton criticised both the prosecutors and defence when it emerged that the 593-page transcript of Tsang’s own trial in Kowloon City Court had only recently been obtained and hadn’t yet been translated into English.
As a result, the hearing has been adjourned until mid-October. A total of 32 witnesses, including Tsang, are scheduled to testify.
Seven police officers of varying rank have denied one joint charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, while one constable has denied an additional charge of common assault.
Related articles:
Activist Ken Tsang tells court of police ‘assault’, identifies himself in Occupy footage
Police witness says footage of Ken Tsang’s arrest is ‘incomplete’
7 police officers who allegedly beat activist Ken Tsang stand trial
Got a tip? Send it to us at hongkong@coconuts.co
