TNAG-1916-FCO40-2720-Accommodation-for-Vietnamese-refugees-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 43

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HONG KONG : VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE : DISTURANCES AT SEK KONG

1. During the night of 23/24 July several hundred boat people

attacked police officers who were investigating reports of breaches

in the perimeter fence at Sek Kong, a centre for recently arrived Vietnamese boat people. Police reinforcements were brought in and

the situation was brought under control, although the mood remains

tense.

to we know

2. During the disturbance a 52 year old inmate collapsed and

subsequently died. The post-mortem examination has revealed that he had a ruptured spleen and two fractured ribs. the truth of it?

3. It has been alleged that his collapse followed an assault by

police officers during a search of the camp. Several other boat

people have also alleged that they were assaulted during the

search.

If tow, a fruflor vector for arturning non

11

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4. The indications so far are that the disturbances were primarily the result of conditions in this hastily prepared camp. They do not

seem to be a protest at the policy to send all non refugees back to

Vietnam.

Yes,

5.

Hong Kong are keeping us closely informed of developments.

6. We and the Hong Kong Government are taking the following line :

(a) To confirm that a disturbance took place on the night of

24 23/July and that several people were arrested. Several police officers were injured and a 52 year old inmate collapsed and

died during the disturbance.

(b) (If the results of the post-mortem become known) to

confirm that the post-mortem reveals that the deceased did not

die of natural causes. The case is now the subject of police investigation. If no criminal prosecution results, the matter

will be referred to the Coroner. Any specific complaints against the behaviour of individual police officers will be investigated by the Complaints Against the Police Office.

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