BY: News Peddlers
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| Rishi Sunak UK Prime Minister |
A diplomatic row has erupted over the arrest and alleged beating of a BBC journalist covering COVID protests in Shanghai, prompting the summons of China's ambassador to the Foreign Office.
According to a UK government source, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has summoned Zheng Zeguang over the treatment of cameraman Edward Lawrence, who the BBC reported was "beaten and kicked" by police in the Chinese city.
According to a Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office source, "the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the FCDO."
"The BBC has stated unequivocally that one of its journalists was detained and beaten by police while covering these protests."
"We have made it clear that the Chine se authorities' behaviour is completely unacceptable."
Cleverly called the incident "deeply disturbing," adding that the arrest was "shocking and unacceptable" and that journalists "must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation."
As citizens take to the streets to protest the country's draconian zero-COVID policy, Downing Street urged Chinese authorities to "respect those who decide to express their views about the current situation."
Lawrence was "arrested and handcuffed" while covering the protests in Shanghai, according to the BBC.
"During his arrest, he was beaten and kicked by police, and this happened while he was working as an accredited journalist," the broadcaster said.
According to reports, China's foreign ministry has disputed the BBC statement, claiming Lawrence did not identify himself as a journalist.
dpa/NAN