Lawmaker Roy Kwong from the Democratic Party was repeatedly punched and kicked by three assailants during an assault on Tuesday morning, according to footage from a dashcam.
One of the blows landed near the back of his head and neck, while other kicks were aimed at his torso. The assault lasted around 10 seconds, with one of the assailants appearing to record the incident on his phone. Kwong called an ambulance after the masked assailants fled.
The assault occurred as Kwong was trying to get into his car parked near the Tin Yip Road Community Health Centre, near his Tin Shui Wai home. In the clip that surfaced on Wednesday, Kwong could be seen protecting his head with his arms while lying on the ground.
As of Wednesday evening, no arrests had been made and the case was being investigated by the Tin Shui Wai District Crime Squad.
Kwong – who has been a familiar face on the frontlines of the summer’s protests – was hospitalised on Tuesday with his office saying that his cervical vertebrae may be damaged. After he was discharged, he told the press that he will continue to protect Hongkongers in his capacity as a lawmaker.
Kwong’s assault was denounced by his Democratic Party colleagues, as both Lam Cheuk-ting and Wu Chi-wai said that they believed the attack was “organised.”
Lawmaker James To added that it could be a “paid job,” since one of the assailants seemed to be recording the incident, and called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation.
In a statement on Tuesday, a government spokesperson “strongly condemned” the attack and said the police will follow up on the case seriously.
“The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fair in the face of all illegal and violent acts. The police will strictly enforce the law to protect the safety of the people,” the spokesperson added.
Asked on Wednesday about his health condition, Kwong did not provide an update.
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