**********************************************************
Police so far received notifications from two organisations of their intention to hold public meetings outside a hall on Java Road, North Point tomorrow (December 7) afternoon. After processing in accordance with the established mechanism, Police issued a Letter of No Objection to one of the organisations yesterday (December 5). As the number of participants in the public meeting notified by the other organisation did not exceed the limit prescribed in the law, it was not required to issue a Letter of No Objection.
Besides, Police noted that other organisations are planning to hold public meetings outside the hall on the same day. Police urge them to notify us as soon as possible so that we could facilitate their activities to be conducted in a lawful and safe manner.
Police will discuss with the organisers about the arrangements of their activities. Police will implement crowd safety measures, including possible partial road closure according to prevailing situation in order to ensure that the events are conducted in a safe and orderly manner and to reduce the risk of endangering public safety and public order as well as the impact on road users and members of the public, including users of the public facilities nearby. As regards the Designated Public Activity Area, Police will make appropriate arrangements based on risk assessment and the number of participants.
In addition, Police have informed local residents through relevant departments that inconvenience may be caused during the public events and we appeal for their understanding and tolerance. We also remind other road users to avoid driving to the area.
Police respect the public's freedoms of expression, speech and assembly. It is the policy of Police to facilitate all peaceful public events while at the same time ensuring public safety and public order. Members of the public should also comply with the laws of Hong Kong and maintain social order when expressing their views.
Police appeal to participants to exercise restraint, stay calm, be co-operative and to express their views in a rational and peaceful manner. They should also listen to the instructions and advice of police officers at the scene.
We reiterate that no violent acts will be tolerated. Police will handle any illegal activities in a fair and impartial manner irrespective of the backgrounds of the persons concerned.
Police Report No. 326
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Friday, December 6, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:40
NNNN
