Hong Kong Leader Rejects Protesters’ Call for Independent Police Probe

Riot police raise their pepper spray weapons inside a shopping mall as they disperse pro-democracy protesters during a rally, in Hong Kong, China, on May 10, 2020. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

HONG KONG—The Beijing-backed leader of Hong Kong on May 15 ruled out an independent inquiry into allegations of police brutality against pro-democracy protesters, though she did accept a watchdog’s recommendations on tear gas and training.

“I disagree and won’t do it,” Carrie Lam said of the demonstrators’ demand for an independent probe, speaking at a news conference against a backdrop of pictures of blazing protests and a banner saying, “The Truth About Hong Kong.”