Amnesty says Hong Kong police using excessive force

HONG KONG, Sept 20 (AFP): Amnesty International on Friday accused Hong Kong police of using excessive force against pro-democracy protesters, in some cases amounting to torture, allegations that were rejected by a commanding officer.

In a report based on interviews with nearly two dozen activists, most of whom were hospitalised after their arrests, the global rights watchdog said that officers routinely went beyond the level of force allowed by local law and international standards.

"In an apparent thirst for retaliation, Hong Kong's security forces have engaged in a disturbing pattern of reckless and unlawful tactics against people during the protests," said Nicholas Bequelin, East Asia Director at Amnesty International.

"This has included arbitrary arrests and retaliatory violence against arrested persons in custody, some of which has amounted to torture."

The rights group backed calls for an independent inquiry into police brutality, a key demand of protesters but one that has been rejected by government officials and the police top brass.