BBC journalist 'beaten and kicked' by police during Covid protests in China

Chinese police arrested and assaulted a BBC journalist in Shanghai amid massive anti-Covid protests that rocked the nation at the weekend. BBC cameraman Edward Lawrence was arrested and handcuffed while covering protests in Shanghai on Sunday, the broadcaster said. “He was held for several hours before being released. During his arrest, he was beaten and kicked by the police,” a BBC statement added, specifying that Mr Lawrence was working as an accredited journalist. “It is very worrying that one of our journalists was attacked in this way whilst carrying out his duties. “We have had no official explanation or apology from the Chinese authorities, beyond a claim by the officials who later released him that they had arrested him for his own good in case he caught Covid from the crowd.” In a video circulated on Twitter, Mr Lawrence is shown being rushed by police from a protest area, while he calls on a friend to “Call the consulate now.” Another video shows police pinning Mr Lawrence to the ground while the crowd is shouting, “Release him!” Continue reading full article: Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture. #shanghai #China #covid