Policeman, who opened fire during CNY Mong Kok riot, to be awarded for ‘devotion to duty’

Five police officers are being honoured at Police Headquarters later today for their actions during the Mong Kok riot over Chinese New Year. Amongst them is Wong Hing-wai, who controversially fired two “warning shots” into the air during the violent protests.

Sergeant Wong Lok-on will receive the highest honour — a Chief Executive’s Commendation — while three Kowloon West traffic officers and a station sergeant will receive lanyards from the commissioner of police for their “devotion to duty” in a private ceremony, HK01 reports.

Wong Hing-wai, a traffic policeman, made headlines in February when he was filmed firing two live rounds into the air during the riot in densely populated Mong Kok. A two-day investigation determined that the officer had not violated Police General Orders and he had fired his gun to protect his injured colleague Ho Yik-hang, who was lying on the ground, from rioters.

Ho and another traffic officer, Yeung Choi-ho, who tried to arrest civilians allegedly attacking Ho, will receive commendations from Commissioner of Police Stephen Lo.

The fourth and final Commissioner’s Commendation is going to station sergeant and former Tactical Unit officer Hung Pui-sze. Bricks thrown by protesters in Mong Kok broke two of Hung’s fingers as she attempted to shield her colleagues. She has since permanently lost function in both fingers.

Sergeant Wong Lok-on, who is receiving the highest honour, was struck in the face by a brick during the civil unrest in Mong Kok. His cheekbone and eye socket were fractured, and his jaw was dislocated.

Violent protests broke out on Portland Street in Mong Kok on the evening of Feb. 8, after police began a crackdown on illegal food hawkers during Chinese New Year festivities. The clashes lasted over 10 hours and left over 130 people injured.

Protesters threw bricks from dismantled pavements, bottles, and plant pots at police. A number of fires were set, causing temporary closures Mong Kok MTR Station and surrounding roads.

 


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