Images relating to the Hong Kong protests have been taken down from the 2020 Sony World Photography Awards website because of their “sensitive nature.” While the finalists are still in the running for a prize, the move has raised concerns over possible censorship. HKFP shares shots from Ko Chung-ming’s ‘Wounds of Hong Kong’ series below – click here for the full story.

Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
Chu, a 17-year-old Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) student, was hit by a police baton while taking part in a human chain at Tai Po Station, Hong Kong, on 7 September 2019. He was seen lying in his own blood on cable TV. Chu’s head needed stitches and the phalanx of the little finger on his right hand was broken, requiring six bone screws. He has decided to postpone his DSE for a year in order to tackle his PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards Raymond Yeung
Raymond Yeung, a school teacher, was hit in his right eye by a police projectile while participating in a lawful rally in Tamar, Hong Kong, on 12 June 2019. Despite receiving medical treatment, less than 30% of his vision remains. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
K (alias), a 22-year-old worker in the catering industry, was chased and beaten by police outside Prince Edward station, Hong Kong, while paying homage to the sufferers of the 831 incident. (On 31 August 2019 riot police rushed into subway carriages and assaulted passengers with batons and pepper spray.) His left arm is permanently impaired due to a traffic accident he was involved in as a child, so he tried to protect his head with his right arm. The phalanx of his right middle finger was broken. As a result, his ability to work has been seriously compromised. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards Andrew Chiu
Andrew Chiu, a district councillor, had his left ear bitten off by a man outside Cityplaza mall in Taikoo, Hong Kong, on 3 November 2019. The attacker had slashed several other people with a knife, and Chiu was trying to stop him. Just before the incident, riot police had stormed the mall to disperse the sit-in protests. Reconstruction of Chiu’s ear failed due to necrosis. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
The skin of protestor A (alias) was badly damaged by pepper spray during a clash in Tuen Mun, Hong Kong, on 1 October 2019. The wound was swollen and purulent for months afterwards. The full list of ingredients used in pepper spray, ‘blue water’ and tear gas is unknown, and treatment of such a chemical assault is difficult. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
First-aider Ah Yan (alias), was hit by a tear gas canister while on duty in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on 2 November 2019. The attack resulted in third-degree burns. His fingers were also burnt when he tried to remove the canister, which landed between his back and backpack. Following a four-hour skin graft, he now has to dress the wound every day, causing him enormous pain. Ah Yan has been abandoned by his pro-government family after the injury, and is now living in a school dormitory. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
First-aider Ah Yan (alias), was hit by a tear gas canister while on duty in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, on 2 November 2019. The attack resulted in third-degree burns. His fingers were also burnt when he tried to remove the canister, which landed between his back and backpack. Following a four-hour skin graft, he now has to dress the wound every day, causing him enormous pain. Ah Yan has been abandoned by his pro-government family after the injury, and is now living in a school dormitory. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Sonia Ng Ko Chung Ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
Sonia Ng, a student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), accused police of sexual violence when she was arrested and detained at Kwai Chung police station, Hong Kong, on 31 August 2019. She removed her mask in front of the university’s vice-chancellor at a public forum on the campus. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
Daniel (alias), a student at the Education University of Hong Kong, was assaulted by riot police at Prince Edward Station in Hong Kong on 31 August 2019. Riot police rushed into subway carriages and assaulted passengers with batons and pepper spray seemingly indiscriminately. Daniel’s back, shoulders, arms and legs were bruised. The station was promptly closed, denying journalists and first-aiders access. Rumour has it that people were killed, and the selective release of critical CCTV footage sparkled another political crisis. Daniel is determined to devote himself to the social movement, and joined the students’ union after the incident. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.
Ko Chung-ming 2020 Sony World Photography Awards
Ken (alias), a 25-year-old freelancer, was assaulted after being arrested at Hung Hom Police Station in Hong Kong. While being detained, he was stripped, slapped, punched and kicked by police officers. His head, chest, back, shoulders and limbs were bruised. To add to his discomfort, he was also prevented from sleeping. Ken was hospitalised for two days afterwards. Photo: Ko Chung-ming.

Support HKFP  |  Code of Ethics  |  Error/typo?  |  Contact Us  |  Newsletter  |  Annual & Transparency Report

SMALL hong kong free press hkfp logo

HKFP Lens

Showcasing photographic talent from Hong Kong and beyond.