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Police respect peopleˇ¦s rights of freedom of expression and facilitate the conduct of all lawful and peaceful public events. Most of the public order events held yesterday (September 1) were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. However, some protestors gathering at the designated public activity area on Harbour Road, Wan Chai last night breached the law by forcing their way onto the carriageway and affecting the traffic in the vicinity. Police had to take resolute action and condemned the irresponsible and unlawful behaviour of those protestors.
During the protest, the participants forcibly pushed the mills barriers, charged the Police cordon line and dashed onto the carriageway, endangering their own safety and the safety of other road users. Police had issued appeals and warnings including the display of warning banners repeatedly, urging the participants to express their views in a lawful and orderly manner. After repeated advice and warnings failed, Police had to take immediate actions to stop participants from charging the Police cordon line and safeguard the safety of other people at scene.
Police subsequently arrested 19 people at scene, including 15 males and four females, aged between 20 and 45. Among them, a 35-year-old man was arrested for obstructing police officer while the other 18 people were arrested for taking part in unlawful assembly. They are being detained for further enquiries. Police will conduct follow-up investigation and will not rule out the possibility of further arrest action.
Police reiterate that it is the policy of Police to facilitate all lawful and peaceful public events while at the same time ensuring public safety and public order. Members of the public should comply with the laws of Hong Kong and maintain social order when expressing their views.
Ends/Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:25
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