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Police have no intention of blocking public access to any open court hearing.

The remark was made by a Police spokesman today (July 26) in response to press reports that Police had barred media coverage of a hearing of a robbery case at the Tsuen Wan Magistracy by locking the doors to the court room.

The spokesman explained that Police had implemented special security checks before the hearing yesterday to better protect public safety. Doors to court room No. 5 were locked on a need basis to facilitate the required security checks.

"Police will review the procedures and arrangements taken by the officers yesterday in conducting the security checks to ensure that unnecessary confusion will not arise in future. We are committed to protecting public safety and safeguarding the right of the public and media to attend open court at the same time.

"We apologise for the confusion and inconvenience caused to the magistrate, the media representatives who covered the case and other people wishing to attend the hearing," the spokesman said.

Police Report No. 1

Issued by PPRB

End/ 1800 hours, Wednesday, July 26, 2000 (NR)