5:33 a.m. ET, November 11, 2019
Carrie Lam says she has confidence in police watchdog
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has responded to accusations that the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) was not sufficiently equipped to investigate police misconduct.
At a press conference Monday following a day of violent protests, Lam said, "I strongly urge we should give the IPCC the time and space to look at areas they have identified."
"These voices are for the counsel and IPCC to consider and not for me to comment," Lam said."
"I should point out that what the IPCC is undertaking is a very difficult and complex exercise. I have confidence the IPCC will spare no effort," Lam said.
International experts call for inquiry: Over the weekend, a group of overseas experts appointed by the city government said the IPCC did not have the necessary “powers, capacity, and independent investigative capability to match the scale of events."
The experts said in a statement that a more comprehensive inquiry would be needed to establish a representative body of evidence. Protesters have been calling for an inquiry for months -- but city leaders said the IPCC was sufficient.
In response to the experts' statement, the IPCC said it was “disappointed” that they did not consult with the council before making it public, and the Hong Kong government said that the IPCC’s study was “by no means a final report.”