A Government spokesman expressed regret over an incident which occurred this (April 24) evening outside Legco Building whereby a group of right of abode (ROA) claimants surrounded and stopped the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, from leaving and damaged her car.

In response to media enquiries, the spokesman said, "While everybody has the freedom and the right to express their views, they must do so in a peaceful, rational and lawful manner. The Government condemns any extreme action which involves violence, breach of public order and infringement on other people's freedom. The Government reserves the right to take appropriate action against any such unlawful behaviour."

"Any belief on the part of ROA claimants that they could obtain ROA through extreme measures is totally misguided. Such extreme measures will be futile.

"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will faithfully implement the judgement laid down by the Court of Final Appeal on January 10 this year. All those without ROA will be repatriated in accordance with the law, " he said.

End/Wednesday, April 24, 2002

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• Appropriate Police action to handle ROA incident (25.04.02)

• Injunction Order Obtained by Immigration Department (24.04.02)