Hong Kong police show 'alarming pattern' of violence in protests

Amnesty International report cites beatings, arbitrary arrests and 'thirst for retaliation'

Amnesty International has warned of an "alarming pattern" of violence used by Hong Kong police at anti-government demonstrations over the past three months, with officers reportedly beating protesters before and after arrest.

Based on interviews with 48 people, including lawyers and 21 arrested protesters, Amnesty International's East Asia director, Nicholas Bequelin, said the human rights group had shown that "time and time again, officers meted out violence prior to and during arrests, even when the individual had been arrested or detained", contrary to international human rights law.