**************************************************
In response to the procession and public meeting today (April 18), a Police spokesman said that police are politically neutral. As a law enforcement agency, the Police will act in accordance with the law and perform their duties in an impartial manner.
The spokesman said,¡§We respect the rights of the public to peaceful assemblies and procession and to express their views.¡¨
¡§Hong Kong is a society ruled by law which is the corner stone of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. The Police have the responsibility to ensure public safety, to maintain law and order, and to protect the rights and freedoms of members of the public," he said.
¡§While facilitating the expression of views by participants of processions, it is also the Police¡¦s responsibility to maintain public order and safety, and at the same time strike a balance by ensuring the rights of other people to use the public place or road as well as their safety. Participants of processions, in expressing theirs views to the public, should also observe the law of Hong Kong and public order and proceed in a peaceful and safe manner. They should be responsible for their own acts,¡¨ the spokesman said.
¡§When there are signs of a breach of public peace or public order, the Police will take robust and prompt action to maintain law and order.¡¨
The spokesman stressed that the Police are politically neutral. All the arrest and prosecution action are based on the facts and evidence collected but not on individual¡¦s political demand and background. Legal advices will also be sought from the Department of Justice, whenever necessary, before making a prosecution.
Police Report No. 4
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Sunday, April 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:12
NNNN
