**************************************
Around 200 persons participated in a public event at a shopping mall on Sha Tin Centre Street this afternoon (February 15). Police had appealed to the organisations and persons concerned to contact relevant Police District, so as to facilitate them to conduct the event in a lawful and orderly manner, and to reduce inconvenience caused to other members of the public to the minimum, but in vain.
During the event this afternoon, 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 Police officers at scene and charged towards some shops. Police took resolute actions by using the minimum level of force, including using pepper spray and batons, to stop the unlawful violent acts and arrest the protesters involved.
Police arrested six men, aged 17 to 36, for "assaulting Police officer", "obstructing Police", "disorder in public place" and "common assault". A Police officer and two members of public were injured during the incident.
Police condemned the unlawful behaviours of protesters. Police will conduct follow-up investigations 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. Resolute enforcement actions will be taken against any illegal acts to preserve public order and safeguard public safety.
Ends/Sunday, February 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:39
NNNN
