Police strongly condemn law-breaking behaviours of protestors
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Protestors conducted a public procession and unlawful assembly in Central District and Western District yesterday (November 6) without notifying Police according to the law. Police strongly condemn the participants for charging Police cordon lines and refusing to co-operate with Police.
Although the protestors conducted public procession from Queen’s Road Central in Central to Connaught Road West in Western District yesterday without notifying Police according to the law, Police assisted them to conduct the procession. However, during the procession, the participants once blocked the carriageway on Queen’s Road Central westbound and Queen’s Road West westbound. Their behaviour obstructed the traffic and endangered the safety of their own and other road users. Police issued multiple advice and warnings, but the protestors refused to comply.
When the protestors later arrived Connaught Road West, they conducted unlawful assembly and charged the cordon line of Police with force. Police again issued multiple advice and warnings, including the display of warning banners, but the protestors refused to comply. Police had no other alternatives but to use batons and discharge OC foam to preserve public order and safeguard public safety.
In the incident, Police arrested two men aged 39 and 57 for obstructing Police officers and failing to produce proof of identity respectively.
Police strongly condemned the protestors for their law-breaking acts which endangered the safety of themselves and others and obstructed other road users. Police also appeal the protestors not to damage properties and obstruct the roads with objects.
Crowds at the scene are repeatedly provoking the Police during the chaos and confrontations on Connaught Road West and Des Voeux Road West at the moment. Police officers at the scene also found that some protestors were holding bamboo poles and bricks. Police appeal to the protestors to exercise restraint, comply with the instructions of the Police officers and leave the scene as soon as possible. They are also advised not to charge Police’s cordon line with force. Members of the public and motorists are advised not to go to the vicinity of Connaught Road West and Des Voeux Road West as far as possible.
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/Monday, November 7, 2016
Issued at HKT 0:35
Issued at HKT 0:35
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