14 Police officers in Guangdong Province have been suspended over claims that they beat up three journalists from the Nandu Daily last week.

According to the journalists, they were at a restaurant in Luohu District, Shenzhen, when several officials and security guards beat them up and took their camera.

28 officials and uniformed officers were attending a dinner party at the restaurant, including head of Dongshen Public Security Bureau, Wang Yuanping.

The officials allegedly ate a giant salamander, an endangered animal in China, as well as being presented with bags of fish from the nearby Donghu reservoir, where fishing is illegal. The bill came to 6,352 RMB, not including wine and is suspected to be paid for with government funds.

The journalists were there undercover, dressed as staff, in an apparent attempt to expose corrupt practices among officials in Shenzhen.

Shortly before the end of the meal, the journalists revealed their identities and requested interviews, after which the officials assaulted them.

They called 110 emergency services, but when the officers arrived, they allowed the officials to walk away.

The head of Shenzhen police headed to the Nandu Daily offices on Saturday and claimed that the dinner was paid for by a retired official, although the source of the salamander remains unclear.

14 officers have been suspended pending further investigation.

Source: ecns

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