The father of a Hong Kong protester who fell from a building during the ongoing demonstrations has accused the government of blocking an investigation over his son’s death.

Marco Leung Ling-kit, 35, was standing on the rooftop of the Pacific Place mall in Admiralty on June 15 last year in protest against the now-withdrawn extradition bill, before he fell from the platform. The next day, two million people took to the street in protest of the bill, with many paying tribute to Leung by placing white flowers at the scene.

Leung is often regarded as the first casualty of the ongoing protests. His father told Apple Daily in a recording that his family has had a difficult year but they have accepted the departure of their son. He said they wanted justice for his son through a coroner’s court inquiry to know if he faced maltreatment before his death, but the wish was blocked by the government.

“We were helpless, but we won’t give up. We have passed it on to our lawyer to continue fighting for it,” Leung’s father said.

Sources told Apple Daily that a lawyer representing Leung’s father had written to the police multiple times demanding records surrounding Leung’s death, but the police merely acknowledged they have received the letters without giving further replies.

The Judiciary told Apple Daily that it would not comment on individual cases. It said the coroner would generally consider reports from the police, the clinical psychologist or the medical examiner to determine whether a case could be closed or further investigations should be conducted and expert opinion should be sought when appropriate. The coroner will determine a hearing is required when he has considered all information, it added.

The Department of Justice told Apple Daily that the police were investigating the case in accordance with existing procedures and instructions issued by the Coroner’s Court, and the report will be submitted to the coroner to determine whether a hearing is required. The DoJ added that it will keep a close eye on the latest developments and will consider follow-ups when necessary.

Leung’s father also said in the recording that he was proud of his son’s “noble cause” and he believed many have lost faith in the corrupt government. He said that as parents, he did not wish more young people to face injury fighting against the hopeless government. He urged young people to not fight the regime head to head in order to protect themselves.

“We thank Hong Kong young people’s sacrifice and hard work in fighting for democracy, human rights, freedom and rule of law. May glory be to Hong Kong, may God bless Hong Kong,” he said as he ended the recording.

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