The BBC have said they are very concerned after cameraman Edward Lawrence was attacked and arrested by police in Shanghai on Sunday.
Leading up to his arrest he had been live tweeting coverage from the protests.
BREAKING: #BNNChina Reports@BBC journalist Edward Lawrence (@EP Lawrence) was detained by CCP police while covering the lockdown protests in #Shanghai. pic.twitter.com/fXnzJ8ZT5W
— Gurbaksh Singh Chahal (@gchahal) November 27, 2022
The BBC journalist was “beaten and kicked by police” as they arrested him during Covid-19 protests in China.
Footage which has appearer on Twitter showed Edward being dragged to the ground in handcuffs.
Shanghai, BBC reporter Edward Lawrence was randomly arrested by Chinese police.#TheGreatTranslationMovement pic.twitter.com/PMq8rHszlm
— The Great Translation Movement 大翻译运动官方推号 (@TGTM_Official) November 27, 2022
Another Tweet showed him being lead off by officers.
I’m at the scene of last night’s extraordinary anti Covid-zero protest in Shanghai. Many people are gathered here quietly watching. Lots of cops. Two girls laid flowers which were promptly removed by police. One man drove past with middle finger up at police. #shanghai
— Edward Lawrence (@EP_Lawrence) November 27, 2022
While another Tweet appeared to show him asking another journalist to call the consulate now.
🇬🇧 #BBC journalist Edward Lawrence arrested by #CCP police while covering the recent #ChinaUprising. #ChinaProtests pic.twitter.com/zXwCBnVSuy
— Monger (@Monger_co) November 27, 2022
A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC is extremely concerned about the treatment of our journalist Ed Lawrence, who was arrested and handcuffed while covering the protests in Shanghai.
“He was held for several hours before being released.
“During his arrest he was beaten and kicked by police.
“This happened while he was working as an accredited journalist.
“It is very worrying that one of our journalists was attacked in this way whist carrying out his duties.”
The BBC has said they have had no official explanation or apology from the Chinese authorities, with officials claiming he was arrested for his own good in case he caught Covid from those protesting.