Hong Kong activist beaten by police handed prison sentence

Activist Ken Tsang was sentenced to five weeks in prison after being assaulted by police officers, Hong Kong media reported on Monday.

Tsang's beating in October 2014, which was caught on film, stirred outrage amongst pro-democracy supporters in the city and saw seven officers arrested for their conduct.

The tables have turned on Tsang, however, according to broadcaster RTHK, who was found guilty of assaulting police and resisting arrest.

The incident occurred during the height of the so-called Umbrella Movement calling for democracy in Hong Kong following the news that Beijing would hand-pick candidates for the city's leadership election. From September 26 to December 15 2014, tens of thousands of protesters staged a series of sit-in street protests against the announcement, many of they carrying yellow umbrellas as a symbol of defiance.

Caught on tape

On the morning of October 15 2014, Tsang was caught in a clash between police and protesters outside government headquarters. Video captured by an onlooker shows plainclothes officers, having already arrested Tsang and put him in handcuffs, lay him on the ground before kicking and punching him.

It took a year for charges to be filed against both Tsang and the officers, prompting activists to complain about the pace of the investigation.

"Even though I'm disappointed and sad about the legal judgment, I still respect the legal system in Hong Kong," said Tsang after his sentencing. He has been freed on bail pending his appeal.

"We're going to stand until the last minute. We're going to fight until the end. We never give up," he added.

The trial of the seven officers accused of assaulting him is set to begin next week.