BBC "Chinese Police Detain and Beat Journalist Covering Protest"

BBC Reporter Handcuffed Video Spreads on YouTube
BBC: "Lawrence, Authorized Journalist... Extremely Concerning"
UK Government Also Expresses Immediate Regret

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Hyun-ji] On the 27th (local time), BBC reported that a British BBC journalist was detained while covering anti-COVID-19 lockdown protests in China, was beaten by local police, and then released.

According to major foreign media, BBC stated in a spokesperson's statement, "Our reporter Ed Lawrence was handcuffed and detained while reporting in Shanghai, China, on that day," adding, "He was held for several hours until his release, during which time the police beat Lawrence with their hands and feet."

BBC pointed out, "He was working locally as an accredited journalist, yet this incident occurred," and criticized, "The treatment of Lawrence by Chinese authorities is extremely concerning."

On the same day, videos circulated on YouTube and social media showing Lawrence handcuffed and lying on the ground, with 4 to 5 police officers seemingly dragging him away. Another video captured people shouting, "Contact the consulate immediately," as Lawrence was being detained.

BBC rejected the Chinese authorities' claim that Lawrence was detained "to protect him from infection by protesters" as an unreliable explanation.

The UK government also immediately expressed regret over the assault on its journalist. On the 28th, Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Business, emphasized on domestic broadcasting, "There is absolutely no excuse for Chinese police to assault a journalist who was simply covering a protest."

Since the 25th, large-scale protests have been taking place in major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing against the zero-COVID policy.