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Police had displayed tolerance and professionalism in dealing with violent demonstrators at Hung Hing Road this afternoon, a police spokesman said today (December 14).
At about 12.30 pm, a number of demonstrators, with their faces covered with cloth masks and cling wrap, repeatedly tried to break through the police cordon at Hung Hing Road in an attempt to move towards the direction of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
ˇ§We are disappointed that over the protestors had resorted to non-peaceful means to express their views. The provocative move shows that they were all prepared for the confrontation, but Police had successfully contained the situation within an hour,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
He stressed that Police were fully prepared and would do their best to ensure the smooth progress of the Conference, while facilitating all lawful and peaceful demonstrations and maintaining law and order in Hong Kong.
ˇ§We respect the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly but would not tolerate any threat or use of non-peaceful means to express those views. Should groups or individuals behave in a way that threatens to derail the Conference or public safety, they will expect nothing but resolute action from the Police,ˇ¨ he reiterated.
ˇ§We urge that groups and individuals show respect to the law and customs of Hong Kong,ˇ¨ he added.
Police Report No.5
Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Issued at HKT 22:39
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