San Uk Ling Detention Center: Allegations, Investigations, and Legal Outcomes
In September 2019, the San Uk Ling facility became a focal point of intense public scrutiny following reports of mistreatment of detainees. The center, used as a temporary holding area during mass arrests, was the subject of severe allegations ranging from physical assault to systemic negligence, sparking a series of official responses and legal proceedings.
Allegations of Mistreatment and Torture
Reports emerged in September 2019 regarding 31 detainees transferred from San Uk Ling to North District Hospital. Among these individuals, six were reported to have sustained serious bone fractures. Media accounts detailed harrowing injuries, including one individual whose arm was allegedly connected to the torso only by skin, others who had teeth beaten out, and some who suffered intracerebral haemorrhages (bleeding within the brain).
Beyond physical injuries, police were accused of delaying necessary medical treatment and withholding medication. Some protesters also alleged they were victims of sexual assault while held at the facility. Efforts by six justices of the peace to investigate these claims were reportedly blocked, as they were denied entry to San Uk Ling.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Official Government Response
John Lee, then Secretary for Security, addressed inquiries from lawmaker Tanya Chan. Lee stated that of the 30 arrestees requiring medical treatment, none had reported injuries during their actual detention. He clarified that 10 individuals reported injuries upon their arrival at the center, while others sought treatment for general illness. Regarding the claims of sexual assault, Lee asserted that no such complaints had been received by the police.
The Police Public Relations Branch defended the facility as a standard detention center compliant with police regulations, dismissing the allegations as "unnamed," "unverified," and "untrue." While the police stopped using the center for protesters after September 2, they maintained this decision was to avoid public speculation rather than a response to misconduct claims.
Key Facts
- Injuries: Six detainees were hospitalized with serious bone fractures; reports included intracerebral haemorrhages and severe limb trauma.
- Official Denial: The government stated no injuries were reported during detention and no sexual assault complaints were filed.
- IPCC Finding: The watchdog found the center unsuitable as a temporary holding area due to limitations in equipment and setup.
- Legal Action: A man using the pseudonym "Kim Jong-un" was jailed for 13 months for inciting unlawful assembly via fabricated claims.
Official Investigation by the IPCC
The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), the city's police watchdog, conducted an investigation into the events at San Uk Ling. By February 29, 2020, the IPCC confirmed that no formal complaints of assault had been lodged by any arrestee regarding their time at the center.
Despite the lack of formal complaints, the IPCC reached a critical conclusion: the facility was not suitable for use as a temporary holding area on that occasion due to its limited setup and equipment. The council recommended that any future facilities used for mass arrests must meet current police arrangement standards and that a formal policy be developed to identify and activate appropriate venues.
| Aspect | Allegations/Findings | Official Position/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Injuries | Bone fractures, tooth loss, brain haemorrhages | Injuries reported upon arrival, not during detention |
| Sexual Assault | Claims of molestation and rape | No official complaints received |
| Facility Suitability | Inadequate for mass detention | IPCC confirmed facility was unsuitable |
| Public Information | Fabricated reports of deaths and torture | Perpetrator sentenced to 13 months in prison |
Trial of Fabricated Claims
The controversy was further complicated by the actions of Poon Yung-wai, who posted under the pseudonym "Kim Jong-un" in a Facebook group with over 50,000 members. Poon claimed a police source had informed him that female protesters were tranquilized, molested, and raped, and that some had committed suicide or been killed by officers.
Following an investigation and search of his devices, police arrested Poon on October 16. The court found him guilty of inciting unlawful assembly. Chief Judge of the High Court Jeremy Poon sentenced him to 13 months in prison, stating that the seriousness of the targeted attack on law enforcement and the risk to public order warranted incarceration, even for a first-time offender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the primary injuries reported by detainees at San Uk Ling?
Reports indicated that six people suffered serious bone fractures, some had teeth beaten out, and others suffered intracerebral haemorrhages.
Did the IPCC find evidence of assault?
The IPCC confirmed that as of February 29, 2020, no formal complaints of assault had been made by arrestees. However, they did conclude the facility was unsuitable for use as a temporary holding area.
How did the government respond to sexual assault allegations?
John Lee, then Secretary for Security, stated that the police had received no complaints regarding sexual assault at the facility.
Why was Poon Yung-wai sentenced to prison?
Poon was sentenced to 13 months for inciting unlawful assembly after publishing fabricated claims on Facebook about rape and murder at the detention center.
What changes did the IPCC recommend for future mass arrests?
The IPCC recommended that future detention facilities be designed to match current police standards and that a formal policy be established for selecting and activating holding venues.