Hong Kong police officials are investigating the beating of a pro-democracy protester, apparently by police officers.  The widely circulated video is adding new volatility to the tensions between the government and demonstrators in the former British territory.

What gives the video added credibility was that it was shot by TVB, which is usually a pro-government television outlet.  It shows a bearded demonstrator identified as Len Tsang being led by officers in civilian clothes but protected by black police vests.  They beat and kick the handcuffed Tsang, who later showed his injuries to compatriots.  He says he may pursue legal action. 

“The police were no different than thugs,” 18-year old student protest leader Joshua Wong declared at a rally.

“I thought a situation like this would only be seen in foreign countries, other societies – I didn’t expect to see it in Hong Kong,” said Ronny Tong, a Hong Kong legislator from the Civic Party which Tsang supports.

Other video emerged which reportedly seemed to show Mr. Tsang throwing water from a bottle at police.  Hong Kong police spokesman Hui Chun-tak said that protesters had acted aggressively to police as they dismantled barricades and retook an underpass the protesters had blocked for weeks – but that authorities would conduct an “impartial investigation”.

Hong Kong chief executive CY Leung said the investigation would follow established procedures – but the protesters’ chief demand of opening the 2017 Hong Kong election for his replacement to all candidates instead of just those approved by the Chinese Communist Party isn’t going to happen.