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| Luo Changqing | |||||||||||
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 Luo Changqing down on the ground after getting struck in the head by a brick. | |||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 羅長清 | ||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 罗长清 | ||||||||||
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The death of Luo Changqing, a 70-year-old government-contractor cleaner, occurred on 14 November 2019 due to fatal injuries sustained after his head was hit by a brick thrown over the course of a violent confrontation between two groups in Sheung Shui on 13 November. This incident was the first fatality directly attributed to the 2019 Hong Kong protests. The Hong Kong Police Force has classified this killing as a murder case and pro-Beijing commentators used this case to exemplify the excessive use of force by protesters.
Victim
The victim was identified as Luo Changqing, a 70-year-old man, who worked as a government-contracted cleaner. He was an outsourced worker of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
Incident
| External videos | |
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 The 13 November Sheung Shui clash, including the fatal throw (SCMP) |
On 13 November 2019, a conflict between opposing groups took place on Lung Wan Street, outside the North District Town Hall, in Sheung Shui. Around noon of that day, several residents of Sheung Shui were trying to clear bricks left by protesters on the street. However, the group of protesters appeared and argued with the residents who were clearing bricks, after which the violent confrontation between the two sides erupted.
The fight between the two groups broke out at 11.52 AM. It involved both parties hurling bricks at each other. The protesters were dressed in black clothing, wore masks over their faces, and carried umbrellas used as protection for the fight. The incident lasted for about a minute, after which the protesters retreated under the shelter of their umbrellas.
Luo was among the locals who were clearing the street. He was also helping to clear the street, while he was taking his lunch break. During the confrontation, he was using his mobile phone to record the conflict. He did not participate in the brick throwing.
Luo was hit by a brick, reportedly thrown by one of the protesters. He lost his consciousness after he was hit and did not regain it before he died. He was transported to the North District Hospital and then transferred to the Prince of Wales Hospital, where he was admitted to the neurosurgery high-dependency unit.
Luo died in the Prince of Wales Hospital at 10:51 PM on 14 November 2019. Luo's death is the first fatality directly attributed to the 2019 Hong Kong protests.
Aftermath
| 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests |
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| Background |
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Timeline2019 2020 |
| Major incidents |
| Tactics and methods |
| Fatalities |
| Reactions to the protests |
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Reactions to the Hong Kong national security law2020 2021 |
On 15 November 2019, a public vigil was held at the site of the incident in memory of Luo. Later, the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (HKFTU) condemned the vandalism of wreaths placed at the memorial of Luo.
On 22 November, members of Luo's family themselves went to the site to mourn for their deceased family member. They previously wanted to remain anonymous, citing concerns about their personal safety, but eventually went public with the support of the HKFTU. Luo's funeral was held on the same day. His relatives said that he would be buried on a family plot in mainland China. On 9 December, Luo's body was transferred from Hung Hom Universal Funeral Parlor to mainland China.
Over hundred thousand people from mainland China, including the Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming, donated to funds set up in support of the families of Luo and a 57-year-old man named Lee Chi-cheung who was set on fire during an argument with protesters. Hong Kong businessman and former legislator Kennedy Wong, who co-founded a fund in support of citizens and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the unrest, announced that parts of their fund would be used to support Luo's family.
Investigation
The case was initially classified as a wounding after Luo sustained the life-threatening injuries. The investigation was assigned to the New Territories North regional crime unit. It later evolved into a murder case, as the police believed that the attacker had "maliciously" and "deliberately" hit Luo with the brick. The case will also be referred to the Coroner's Court for follow-up. The police offered an HK$800,000 reward for information on the killer.
Senior Superintendent Chan Tin-chu said that the police collected footage from nearby CCTV cameras to assist with their investigation, but that they also found that some of the cameras had been damaged by protesters. He told reporters that "Those in black first threw metal rods and bricks at the residents while Luo was believed to have used a mobile phone to film the scene. Then someone in black darted forward and threw a brick at his head."
On 13 December 2019, five suspects—three men and two women, aged 15 to 18—were arrested in Sheung Shui and Tai Po in connection with murder as well as wounding and participation in a riot. They were detained at the New Territories North Regional Headquarters in Tai Po for further inquiries. The police stated that some of the five suspects threw bricks and wounded people, but that no footage had shown that they threw bricks directly at the now-deceased man. They remarked that the five could have acted as accomplices in a joint enterprise when it comes to the murder case, but that further legal advice would be sought. They also said that one of them, a 16-year-old boy, had hurled bricks at a 61-year-old man whose left retina was damaged.
Responses
The Citizens' Press Conference representing the protesters released a statement expressing their "extreme condolences" at the death of the old man and said that citizens should not wind up as sacrifices of political struggles regardless of their political viewpoints. "Only by solving the political issue through political means", the conference continued in the statement, "could the Hong Kong communist regime settle the conflicts and uncertainties, and end the needless sacrifices and tragedies."
The Hong Kong Government said in a statement that they were saddened by the incident and that the police will work to bring the offenders to justice.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expressed profound sadness at the passing of its service worker and said it was providing the necessary assistance to his family.
The Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan (Chan Siu-chee) said in a statement that "I am deeply saddened and extend my condolences to the family."
The Hong Kong Liaison Office expressed its "deep condolences" and urged the Hong Kong people to "denounce violence and protect the rule of law and stability of society together." They reiterated their support for the Hong Kong government and police force, urging them to punish the culprits sternly in accordance to the law. The office characterized the attack as "an atrocity against humanity that was totally inhumane and unforgivable."
See also
References
- Case Reference: NTN RN 19000852 (English; Traditional Chinese). Hong Kong Police Force.
- ^ Choi, Martin (22 November 2019). "Hong Kong protests: call for peace from son of Luo Changqing, killed by brick hurled during Sheung Shui clash". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Aggregated in Choi, Martin (22 November 2019). "Hong Kong protests: call for peace from son of Luo Changqing, killed by brick hurled during Sheung Shui clash". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020.
- ^ Lo, Clifford (11 December 2019). "Hong Kong police offer HK$800,000 reward for information to find killer of cleaner hit by brick during clash between protesters and Sheung Shui residents". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 4 January 2020. Aggregated in Lo, Clifford (11 December 2019). "Hong Kong police offer HK$800,000 reward for information to find killer of cleaner hit by brick during clash between protesters and Sheung Shui residents". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019.
- ^ Mok, Danny; Leung, Christy (14 December 2019). "Five teens arrested over Hong Kong protest clashes that claimed life of 70-year-old man". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 6 January 2020. Aggregated in Mok, Danny (13 December 2019). "Five teens arrested over Hong Kong protest clashes that claimed life of 70-year-old man". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 15 December 2019.
- ^ "Five held over death of worker struck by brick during protest". China Daily. 14 December 2019. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020.
- ^ Thomas, Hedley; Mathewson, Ruth (24 November 2019). "Turnout surges in Hong Kong polls". The Australian.
- ^ Yau, Cannix (15 November 2019). "Hong Kong protests: police treat death of 70-year-old cleaner as murder, saying he was struck by brick thrown with malice". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 19 January 2020. Aggregated in Yau, Cannix (15 November 2019). "Hong Kong protests: police treat death of 70-year-old cleaner as murder, saying he was struck by brick thrown with malice". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019.
- ^ Guzman, Robie de (15 November 2019). "70-year-old dies after being hit on head during Hong Kong clashes". UNTV News. Archived from the original on 20 December 2019.
- ^ "Hong Kong police classify death of 70-year-old man hit by brick during protest as murder". The Straits Times. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 17 November 2019.
- ^ "Man dies after being hit during HK protests". BBC News. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 15 January 2020.
- ^ Creery, Jennifer (15 November 2019). "70-year-old dies after being hit on head with brick during Hong Kong protest clash". Hong Kong Free Press. Archived from the original on 21 December 2019.
- ^ Lo, Clifford (13 November 2019). "Elderly man clings to life after being hit in head by brick thrown by Hong Kong protesters during clash with residents in Sheung Shui". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Aggregated in Lo, Clifford (13 November 2019). "Elderly man clings to life after being hit in head by brick thrown by Hong Kong protesters during clash with residents in Sheung Shui". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 23 January 2020.
- ^ "Hong Kong and China condemn attack on justice secretary as protests paralyze city". CNBC. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 16 November 2019.
- ^ Pao, Jeff (15 November 2019). "Hong Kong man, 70, dies after clash with protesters". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 2 December 2019.
- ^ Linder, Alex (14 November 2019). "70-year-old man dies in hospital after being hit with brick during clash with protesters in Hong Kong". Shanghaiist. Archived from the original on 22 December 2019.
- ^ Wright, Rebecca; Leung, Kenneth; Humayun, Hira; Westcott, Ben (15 November 2019). "China's President calls for end to violence in Hong Kong as elderly man dies". CNN. Archived from the original on 3 January 2020.
- ^ Gilbert, David (15 November 2019). "Hong Kong Police Say Protesters Murdered a 70-Year-Old Man With a Brick". Vice. Archived from the original on 15 November 2019.
- Ball, Tom; Tang, Didi (15 November 2019). "You must punish Hong Kong protesters, Xi Jinping instructs police". The Times. Archived from the original on 11 November 2019.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; 15 November 2019 suggested (help) - Denyer, Simon; Liang, Tiffany; Kam, Anna (22 November 2019). "Hong Kong protesters trickle out from besieged campus as city prepares for elections". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 8 January 2020.
- ^ Cheung, Elizabeth; Leung, Christy (15 November 2019). "Hong Kong protests: elderly man hit on head by brick during clash in Sheung Shui dies while two others hurt in separate incidents remain in critical condition". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 6 January 2020. Aggregated in Cheung, Elizabeth (14 November 2019). "Hong Kong protests: elderly man hit on head by brick during clash in Sheung Shui dies while two others hurt in separate incidents remain in critical condition". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020.
- ^ "Hong Kong protests: Elderly man hit on head by brick dies". Today. 15 November 2019.
- Needham, Kirsty (23 November 2019). "Hong Kongers grieve for their home, on an island of despair". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 27 November 2019.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; 28 November 2019 suggested (help) - ^ "HK senior hit, killed by brick mourned". China Daily. 16 November 2019. Archived from the original on 27 January 2019.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; 27 January 2020 suggested (help) Reproduced in "HK senior hit, killed by brick mourned". Ecns. 16 November 2019. Archived from the original on 17 November 2019. - "羅伯於上水遭磚頭擊斃 家屬擬將遺體運返內地安葬". Sing Tao Daily (in Chinese). 22 November 2019. Archived from the original on 24 January 2020.
- Zhang, Phoebe (21 November 2019). "Donations flood in from mainland China for Hong Kong attack victims". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2019. Aggregated in Zhang, Phoebe (21 November 2019). "Donations flood in from mainland China for Hong Kong attack victims". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on 22 November 2019.
- ^ Smith, Nicola (22 November 2019). "Chinese donations flood in for Hong Kong protest victims". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 27 November 2019.
{{cite web}}:|archive-date=/|archive-url=timestamp mismatch; 24 November 2019 suggested (help) - "Five teens arrested over death of man hit by brick". RTHK. 14 December 2019. Archived from the original on 15 December 2019.
- "【11.13】上水七旬清潔工中磚不治 交死因裁判官跟進". Stand News (in Chinese). 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 18 December 2019.
- "Hong Kong Justice Secretary attacked by 'violent mob' in London". France 24. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 20 January 2020.
External links
- "HKSAR Government expresses concern over violent acts causing serious injury to FEHD outsourced service worker". The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 4 January 2020.
- "FEHD deeply grieved by death of outsourced service worker". The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 17 November 2019.
- "Wounding case in Sheung Shui reclassified as murder". The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 15 November 2019. Archived from the original on 17 November 2019.
- "Five persons arrested for murder, taking part in a riot and wounding". The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 14 December 2019. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020.
.svg){kind=small} 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests | |||||||||||||||
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