************************************************************

About 20 protesters who had continued to stage a sit-in outside the Central Government Offices (CGO) earlier today (Saturday) dispersed peacefully after Police ordered them to leave this evening.

Speaking to the media after the protesters dispersed shortly after 8.30 pm, the District Commander of Central, Mr Michael Francis, said the order was made in the interests of public safety, public order and the rights and freedoms of others.

Under the Public Order Ordinance, Police accepted notifications for the group to hold public meeting outside CGO between November 30 and December 10.

But the person in charge of the meeting was unable to control a minority of violent protesters and led to the incident yesterday (Friday) in which a breach of peace occurred, persons were injured and property was damaged.

Police Report No.8

issued by PPRB

End/2255 hrs,Saturday, December 4, 1999 (AI/KK)