Three Hong Kong reporters were beaten and taken away by armed police while covering a protest in Urumqi, the capital city of China's Northwestern Xinjiang Province,on September 4.
According to TVB, Lin Zhenwei, a Hong Kong NOW TV cameraman, Lin Zihao, a TVB reporter, and Liu Yongquan, a TVB cameraman, were suddenly taken down by armed police while reporting the mass demonstration in Urumqi. Their hands were twisted behind their backs and they were detained by the local public security authorities.
The three Hong Kong journalists were later released after strong protests from Hong Kong were made.
The incident has caused the Hong Kong government and public great concern. A number of news agencies strongly condemned the Xinjiang authorities for using violence to prevent journalists' from reporting on the demonstration.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang expressed his deep concern regarding the incident.
TVB has presented a complaint to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. The TV station also issued a statement protesting the local Xinjiang authorities' obstruction of the reporters’ news gathering activities.
The Hong Kong News Executives Association also issued a statement expressing their strong condemnation and indignation, and requested an investigation into the incident.