Chinese Tourists Turn Against Their Tour Leaders in Macau

Written on December 7, 2007 by admin

Three tour leaders and two tourists from the Mainland who were to appear before the public prosecution office in Macau after Tuesday evenings’ scuffle didn’t show up for their hearing yesterday.

See video here: Macau Tourist Scuffles

The five were to appear before the prosecutor at 11am yesterday after being charged with causing injury to the body and intimidation after a group of 120 mainland tourists turned against their tour operators.

Four local witnesses were also prepared to give a statement yesterday. The tourists were reportedly upset with the number of stores they were forced to visit and the operators insistence that they purchase goods.

Approximately two dozen police with protective shields and batons were called to Hac Sa beach in Coloane to separate the tourists from the operators.

Scuffles broke out between the gathered crowd and police which ended when the visitors were persuaded to return to their hotel.

The five accused mainlanders were arrested and released after providing a written statement.

Two female and two male police officers were injured during the incident however both have been discharged from hospital suffering only minor injuries.

The Public Security Police force said the conduct of the mainland tour company will not be investigated.

Tour operators often work without a salary and only earn commission on goods tourists purchase from designated shops during their trip.

The police said they will continue to investigate the cases of the five who failed to appear before the prosecutor.