Hong Kong leader says city’s police under extreme pressure

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday the city’s police force, which has been accused of beating activists and using excessive force during protests, is under extreme pressure and acknowledged it will be a “long road” towards healing rifts.

Beijing-backed Lam said it was “quite remarkable” there had not been fatalities during three months of protests, and she hoped dialogue would help resolve the political crisis gripping the Asian financial centre.

Police cast doubt over allegations that officers beat a man during a protest on Saturday, while Amnesty International called on the government to investigate police use of force against demonstrators.

Lam also called on protesters not to disrupt her first public dialogue event, as she attempted to quiet months of protests that threaten to mar Beijing's anniversary celebrations.

The Hong Kong Chief Executive told reporters on Tuesday (Sept 24) that about 20,000 people have registered for a town hall-style session that will hold about 150 participants, after Asia's main financial hub saw its 16th straight weekend of protests between pro-democracy protesters and riot cops.

"I very much hope the first dialogue with community on Thursday could be made in a peaceful, rational and calm environment," Lam said, referring to an event planned at an indoor stadium in the city's Wan Chai area.

"And my colleagues and I will listen to citizens' opinions in a sincere, humble manner."

She also expressed hopes that the dialogue session would help bridge the divide, but conceded "it will be a long journey to achieve reconciliation in society".

Lam's comments come ahead of protests planned to coincide with the Oct 1 anniversary of 70 years of Communist rule in China next week, which will feature a military parade and a speech from President Xi Jinping.