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Around 150 persons participated in a public event at Tuen Mun town centre this afternoon (March 8). During the event, 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, caused disturbances to road users and shops, threw rubbish bins, and attempted to block the road with mills barriers. To ensure public safety and public order, Police took resolute actions by using the minimum level of force, including using batons, to stop the unlawful violent acts and arrest the protesters involved.
Police arrested three men and one woman, aged 13 to 21, for "assaulting Police officer" and "obstructing Police". A Police officer and a member of public were injured during the incident.
Police strongly 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, March 8, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:20
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