Police arrest suspect involved in beating mainland journalist

A 19-year-old man has been arrested for suspected involvement in beating a mainland journalist at Hong Kong airport on July 13.

It's alleged that the man surnamed Lai hit Global Times journalist Fu Guohao with a flagpole of the US national flag.

Screenshot of Fu Guohao being tied up by Hong Kong demonstrators at Hong Kong airport. [Photo: China Plus]

Fu Gaohao was taking pictures when demonstrators spotted him. When asked whether he was a reporter, Fu didn't reply and was blocked when he wanted to leave. A video of the incident shows Fu's arms and legs were restrained with plastic ties. When tied up and surrounded by the group, Fu shouted: "I support Hong Kong police. You can beat me now."

Fu was later escorted to an ambulance and discharged from a hospital on Wednesday. On the same day, the All-China Journalists Association strongly condemned the attack on Fu.

It's said Lai, one of the suspects, is a part-time waiter at a restaurant. He is now under investigation for illegal imprisonment, illegal gathering and attacking people. The police are searching for other suspects.