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

Police have adopted appropriate action to handle the incident outside the Legislative Council Building yesterday (April 24) during which a group of right of abode (ROA) claimants blocked the driveway of the Legislative Council Building.

A Police spokesman made the above remarks today (April 25) in response to some comments which alleged that there was insufficient Police manpower in the vicinity of the Legislative Council Building at the time of incident and that reinforcement could only be called in after a certain period of time.

"The security of the Legislative Council is the responsibility of the Legislative Council Secretariat but Police have all along been maintaining close liaison with the Legislative Council Secretariat in view of the activities in the area," the spokesman said.

"After yesterday's incident, Police will discuss with the Legislative Council Secretariat to consider if the security has to be strengthened," he added.

The spokesman noted that Police action yesterday was not pre-planned but was made in response to the situation at the scene while minimum force was used to remove those responsible and restore order at the scene.

As soon as the protestors started to block the driveway, reinforcement was called in from other districts and officers arrived in about 10 minutes. In the meantime, dialogue with the protestors was maintained and warnings were given to them.

Removal action was only taken after repeated warnings had been ignored.

Regarding the eight men arrested yesterday, they are still being detained by Police for enquiries.

"Police respect the rights of individuals to express their views and we will continue to facilitate lawful and peaceful demonstrations," the spokesman reiterated.

"However, we will not tolerate any person using illegal means to infringe the freedom of other people, challenge the laws of Hong Kong and disturb public order and public peace.

"Resolute actions will be taken to enforce the law and bring those responsible to justice," the spokesman added.

Police Report No. 2

Issued by PRPB

End/1145 hours, Thursday, April 25, 2002

NNNN