In a temporary injunction uploaded on government websites, a Hong Kong Court has banned people from publishing details about police officials including images, details about their families in a bid to halt "doxxing" by pro-democracy protesters.
The move criticised by some on Saturday for its broad wording and for further shielding the identity of officers as they clash with protesters.
Exceptions were not included for the media. It is yet however unclear on whether it will make work for reporters harder. Requests for clarifications were not answered by the police.
An independent inquiry into police brutality to quell the protests that began five months ago are among the top demand of those involved in the pro-democracy movement. The semi-autonomous Chinese city has been battered by nearly five months of seething rallies in which police and protesters have fought increasingly violent battles.
The police have been known to respond with brutal force to quell the attacks with the use of rubber bullets, tear gas and even live rounds in recent clashes.
The police force says many of its officers have had personal details leaked online and family members have been harassed at the hands of the protesters as a result. Hong Kong Lawmakers have been using different tools to try and diffuse the protests with no luck.
Earlier this month the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam faced much flak for using a colonial-era emergency law to ban protesters from wearing face masks. Lam even met with protesters last month, where many bold questions were raised. The protests haven't died down despite Lam repealing the extradition bill that began the movement.
In an interview to THE WEEK, pro-democracy leader and Hong Kong Legislator, Claudia Mo had said that Beijing should get rid of the political disaster called Carrie Lam and it looks like the mainland might do just that. On October 23, the Chinese government announced that it has drawn up a plan to replace Lam as Chief Executive of the financial hub that is currently under turmoil.
Lawyers for the force went to Hong Kong's High Court on Friday asking for an injunction forbidding people from publishing a slew of personal information including key details such as names, addresses, dates of birth and identity card numbers. Ban was also sought from publishing details like social media accounts, number plates or details about their families without consent.
The court granted the injunction for 14 days pending a longer legal hearing. The injunction also bans "intimidating, molesting, harassing, threatening, pestering or interfering" with any police officer or family member. Protesters are incensed that the police are allowed to cover their faces.
The Hong Kong Journalists Association said it was "extremely concerned" about the potential limitations to media freedoms and said it was seeking legal advice.
Hong Kong's police have already faced criticism for hiding their identities during clashes by removing warrant card numbers from their uniforms, as well as using face masks and shining bright torches at reporters.
Pro-Beijing lawmakers defended the injunction.
Hardline protesters have thrown Molotov cocktails and bricks at police, as well as vandalised businesses perceived as being pro-China. Earlier this month an officer was stabbed in the neck.