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An organisation held a public procession and meeting from Tuen Mun Park, near MTR Tuen Mun Station exit, to Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road this afternoon (February 8). At about 4.10 pm, about 350 participants failed to follow the route of the procession stated in the Letter of No Objection and gathered in the vicinity of Tuen Lung Street. They scattered to different areas, obstructed pavements and disturbed nearby shops. About 150 participants later also entered a shopping centre and caused nuisance. Police gave repeated advice and warnings, including displaying warning banners, to appeal to the participants to express their views in a peaceful and rational manner but they refused to comply. They shoved officers at scene and charged Police cordon line. Police, with no other alternatives, took resolute actions by using the minimum level of force, including using pepper spray and batons, to stop the unlawful acts, and to disperse and arrest the protesters involved.
Police arrested nine men and four women, aged 16 to 74, for "unlawful assembly", "assaulting Police officer", "obstructing Police", "fighting in public place" and "common assault". A Police officer was injured during the incident.
Police condemned the unlawful behaviours of protesters. Police will conduct follow-up investigation and will not rule out the possibility of further arrest action.
Police reiterate that we respect the public's freedoms of expression, speech and assembly. 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. Resolute enforcement actions will be taken against any illegal acts to preserve public order and safeguard public safety.
Ends/Sunday, February 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:53
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