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The Government expressed regret over the forced entry by public meeting participants into the East Wing Forecourt (the Forecourt) of the Central Government Offices (CGO), Tamar, leading to the injuries of security personnel and others on September 26.
To facilitate the public meeting yesterday, the pavement outside the CGO and Tim Mei Avenue were opened to the participants. However, some participants broke through the security gate and climbed over security fencing into the Forecourt. Neglecting the repeated advice by the security personnel of the CGO, more participants forced their way into the Forecourt without authorisation. A number of people including CGO staff, security personnel, police officers and public meeting participants suffered injury during the course.
The spokesman reaffirmed that the Government has all along respected the public's freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. However, the Government regretted that while the public meeting participants kept claiming that it was a non-violent and peaceful public meeting, they forced entry into the Forecourt leading to injuries.
The spokesman called on members of the public to express their views in a peaceful and rational manner. They should also observe the law of Hong Kong and social order and take into account the safety of themselves and the others.
Ends/Saturday, September 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 02:46
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