The British government summoned China’s ambassador in Britain over reports that Chinese police assaulted a journalist covering protests in Shanghai, according to the Evening Standard newspaper.
A request for confirmation of the Evening Standard report by the British foreign office was not answered immediately.
Protesters have demonstrated in several Chinese cities against COVID-19, a form of civil disobedience unprecedented since Xi Jinping took power ten years ago.
BBC reported that Ed Lawrence, its journalist, was handcuffed and arrested while covering protests in Shanghai.
He was kept for many hours before being released. He was kicked and beaten by police officers during his arrest. He was an accredited journalist at the time.” The broadcaster released a statement on Sunday.
China’s foreign ministry disputed the claim and stated that the reporter had not identified himself to be a reporter.
