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Police condemned the violent acts of participants of a public meeting who attempted to enter the Central Government Offices (CGO) by force yesterday (September 26).
At about 10.10pm yesterday, a few participants taking part in a public meeting on the pavement along Tim Mei Avenue climbed onto the fence surrounding the East Wing Forecourt (the Forecourt) of the CGO suddenly. Other participants followed suit. Police took immediate actions and set up a cordon line at the Forecourt. At 10.30pm, about 150 of the participants climbed over the fence. Some of them, after entering the Forecourt, pushed over the mills barriers, shoved police officers and charged the Police cordon line. Such acts endangered public safety and public order, and posed danger to themselves and other people at scene. Police gave repeated advice and warnings, including displaying warning banners, but these participants refused to comply. To safeguard the safety of people at scene, Police had no other options and had used OC Foam to stop such acts which showed disregard for public safety and public order.
During the public meeting, Police arrested six people, including five men and one woman, aged between 16 and 29. Offences committed included forcible entry into Government premises, disorderly conduct in public place and assaulting police officer. According to preliminary information, a police officer sustained injuries on his right shoulder and was undergoing treatment.
About 100 people sat at the Forecourt for the time being. Police had already given warnings and did not rule out pursuing their legal liabilities. Police appeal for their cooperation with Police actions.
Police reiterate that we respect the public's freedoms of expression, speech and assembly and always handle public meetings, processions and demonstrations in a fair, just and impartial manner in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.
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.
Police condemned such acts of the participants which showed complete disregard for law and order.
Ends/Saturday, September 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 08:23
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