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Public meeting in Chater Garden prohibited

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Police today (April 25) took action to prohibit the public meeting being staged in Chater Garden and arrested three overstayers.

Speaking to the media today, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tsang Yam-pui, noted that the behaviour of those right of abode (ROA) seekers and supporters at Chater Garden as displayed in the blockage of the driveway of the Legislative Council Building yesterday (April 24) was irresponsible and not to be tolerated.

"Police took action today to prohibit the public meeting in Chater Garden in accordance with the Public Order Ordinance," Mr Tsang said.

"Police will continue to adopt a firm approach in dealing with any violent and threatening behaviour," he added.

The three overstayers, women aged between 20 and 32, will be handed over to the Immigration Department for follow-up action.

Mr Tsang said that prior to taking action, Police had given clear notice to announce Police intention and the reasons for taking this course of action.

"Should those people wish to give notification for holding a public meeting at another location, they are entitled to do so.

"Police will consider the proposed location, the proposed number of people involved and the intended activities before making a response in accordance with the law.

"Should they insist in holding a meeting at Chater Garden, they may petition the Public Order Ordinance Appeal Board to appeal against the Police decision," Mr Tsang said.

As regards the security of the Legislative Council, Mr Tsang said that Police would consult the Secretary General of the Legislative Council to see what additional measures need to be taken in order to ensure the safety of the personnel working in and attending Legislative Council.

Meanwhile, Police have charged six among the eight men arrested yesterday at Chater Garden jointly with one count of causing obstruction in public place.

Among them, three were jointly charged with one more count of disorderly conduct in a public place while one of them was charged additionally with one count of assaulting Police officer.

The men, aged between 29 and 65, had appeared at the Western Magistrates' Courts this afternoon.

The remaining two men, aged 22 and 35 respectively, are overstayers and will be handover to the Immigration Department for follow-up action.

Police Report No.¡@5

Issued by PRPB

End/1900 hours, Thursday, April 25, 2002

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