Police condemn law-breaking and violent acts

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     Police had earlier received an application to conduct a public event in Tai Po yesterday afternoon (August 10). Due to the high safety risks, Police issued notice of objection against the public event. The Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions also held a hearing on the application and dismissed the appeal. However, a large group of protestors still gathered in Tai Po yesterday and occupied traffic lanes. They later spread to other districts and committed violent acts, showing disregard for the safety of other people in the area. Police condemn such behaviours.

     Protestors set barricades with railings and road signs in various locations including Tai Po, Sha Tin, Tai Wai, Kowloon Tong, Tsim Sha Tsui and Cross-Harbour Tunnel, paralysing the traffic. Some protestors aimed laser beams at police officers and some violent protestors hurled miscellaneous objects and stones at police officers. Moreover, some radical protestors committed arson in various locations. They set fire to miscellaneous objects outside Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station and near Suffolk Road in Kowloon Tong, showing disregard for the safety of others and seriously affecting the services of police stations.

     Police urged protestors to leave as soon as possible through on-site broadcast, social media and press releases. Such warnings were repeated but in vain. Police then conducted dispersal operation in locations including Tsim Sha Tsui and Tai Wai. Depending on the situations at scene, Police used appropriate force including deploying tear gas to stop the violent acts.

     During the operation, Police arrested 16 persons for unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapon, assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer in the execution of duties.

     Police reiterate that anyone participating in an unauthorized assembly commits an offence. Police will strictly enforce the law against all violent and illegal acts.

Ends/Sunday, August 11, 2019
Issued at HKT 2:44

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