BBC MAN ‘BEATEN BY COPS’
DOWNING Street has condemned the “shocking and unacceptable” arrest of a BBC reporter covering Covid protests in China.
The UK warned Beijing there is “no excuse” for reporters to be beaten by the police after the broadcaster claimed cameraman Edward Lawrence was attacked in Shanghai.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly described the incident – during protests over the country’s draconian zero-Covid policy – as “deeply disturbing”.
The BBC said Mr Lawrence was handcuffed and then “beaten and kicked” by police.
The PM’s spokesman said: “The arrest of this journalist who was going about their work is shocking and unacceptable.
“Journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear of intimidation.”
Downing Street also urged the Chinese authorities to “respect those who decide to express their views on the situation”.