********************************
Following is the transcript of remarks (the opening remarks are an English translation) by the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, at a media session before the Legislative Council meeting today (November 26):
Secretary for Security: The Police, upon the request of bailiffs, assisted them in executing the Injunction Order on Argyle Street, Mong Kok in order to clear the barricades in the occupation area yesterday, with an aim to resume the flow of traffic in the district.
During the operation, some protesters in the occupation area failed to fully co-operate with the Police. Some ignored the Order and refused to leave. A number of troublemakers and radical protesters physically confronted police officers at the scene. Despite the repeated appeals and warnings of the Police, the protesters still refused to disperse. Later, a large crowd of protesters assembled unlawfully at various locations in Mong Kok and confronted police officers. They again obstructed the roads with obstacles and charged at the Police's cordon line. The Police had to take resolute action by using a minimum level of force to drive away the protesters.
Early this morning, a total of 116 persons, comprising 107 men and nine women, were arrested for unlawful assembly, assaulting the police, possession of offensive weapons and obstructing police officers in the execution of their duty. Seventeen of them, comprising 12 men and five women, were charged with offences including obstructing public officers in the execution of their duty, assaulting police and obstructing police officers in execution of their duty. They will appear in the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts this morning. During the operation, 20 police officers were injured.
I must point out that the illegal occupation of roads is in violation of the laws. We have exercised maximum tolerance over this past period of time. Police are now assisting bailiffs in the execution of the Court Order in Mong Kok. I appeal to those assembling unlawfully and occupying the roads in Mong Kok to leave immediately. They should stop blocking the road, obstructing bailiffs in executing the Court Order or charging at the Police. If there is anyone obstructing the execution of the Order, blocking the re-opened roads or other roads, or disrupting the public order, the Police will take resolute action to restore public order and safeguard public safety. I reiterate that the Police are capable and determined to take enforcement action with a view to restoring traffic and social order.
Reporter: (on the arrest of a TV station technician)
Secretary for Security: Police have always adopted (a policy to offer) great assistance to all journalists. As regards the incident we mentioned about, the Police will investigate and handle the case independently, fairly and openly.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:50
NNNN
