Security chief who led pro-democracy crackdown set to be Hong Kong’s new leader

John Lee is the only candidate in the running to succeed Carrie Lam as chief executive

At the height of Hong Kong's protests in the summer of 2019, angry pro-democracy legislators shouted in the Chinese territory's legislative council: down with John Lee!", as the veteran security chief defended his force's treatment of the protesters and journalists.

I hope people will understand the chaotic situation and the pressure faced by each and every one at the scene on that day," Lee said, unapologetically. I hope members of the public will not vent their dissatisfaction of the government on police officers, because they are only discharging their duties."