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In response to the processions today (April 18), a Government spokesman said that the HKSAR Government has all along been respecting the rights of the public to peaceful assemblies and processions and to express their views. The police in facilitating the expression of the views by participants of processions also have the responsibility of maintaining public order.
"While the HKSAR Government will definitely continue to protect the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Hong Kong, it is also important that participants of processions express their views in a peaceful and safe manner and in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong and public order," the spokesman said.
"Law enforcement agencies in dealing with cases of suspected violation of law will, depending on the circumstances of the case and the evidence collected, seek legal advice from the Department of Justice when necessary in determining whether prosecution should be brought against the person(s) involved in the case. Law enforcement agencies have all along carried out their duties in a fair and impartial manner. The political background of the person(s) involved in the case has absolutely no bearing to the actions taken by the law enforcement agencies," the spokesman emphasised.
"Whenever the Department of Justice is called upon to make a decision as to whether any person should be prosecuted for a breach of Hong Kong Laws, it does so in accordance with established and published principles stated in the Statement of Prosecution Policy and Practice free from any political influence or pressure."
The spokesman said that during the period from July 1, 1997 to the end of December 2009, over 30,000 public assemblies and processions were held in Hong Kong. It is thus evident that since the establishment of the HKSAR, the public continues to enjoy a high degree of freedom of assembly. The majority of these activities were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner and in accordance with the law. The Police had also used its best endeavours to facilitate the smooth running of the relevant activities and to ensure that public order and the safety of other members of the public would not be affected.
Ends/Sunday, April 18, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:33
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