Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

Police in Hong Kong have arrested a journalist after he was stopped in a routine search and found to have collected used tear gas cartridges and other used shells for research.

The journalist was identified as 26-year-old Chow Man, and after he was presented at the local Eastern Magistrates’ Court it was ordered that he be remanded in custody despite the presentation of his press credentials.

The charges against him are possession of ammunition even though reportedly all of the items were spent rounds, including gas cartridges, grenade fragments, rubber bullets and sponge rounds.

Local media reported that hundreds of such items are left on the streets after each police clear up operation, and it is unclear what research the journalist was going to be doing when writing.

It was not revealed whether he was working as a dedicated correspondent or as a freelance journalist.

The case is next due to appear in court on January 14th after tests of the ammunition of been carried out. It is likely that he will remain in custody until then.

The detention of the journalist as possible because the law is no distinction between whether the ammunition is already used or whether it is still live and capable of being used.

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