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Police estimated that, at peak, around 170 people participated in the public procession and meeting from Chater Garden to Central Government Offices in Central today (May 4). Police commander at scene deployed suitable manpower and implemented the most appropriate crowd management and traffic regulating measures according to the prevailing situation and circumstances, so as to ensure public safety and public order and at the same time facilitate participants to express their views.
Police had discussed, liaised and reached consensus with the event organiser. The route of the procession was stated explicitly in the Letter of No Objection (LONO). During the procession, the participants breached the condition of LONO by requesting to change the procession route. Police had urged the participants to express their views in a lawful and orderly manner. However, they ignored Police's appeals and warnings and forced their way onto the carriageway and pushed the mills barriers, endangering their own safety and the safety of other road users. Some of the participants assaulted and poured liquid on police officers, leaving a police officer injured. After repeated advice and warnings failed, Police had to take immediate resolute actions including the use of OC Foam to stop participants from charging Police¡¯s cordon line and defend against attack, in a bid to ensuring the safety of other people at scene.
Police subsequently arrested four males in Central and Kwai Chung. Among them, a 19-year-old man was arrested for assaulting a police officer while three others, aged 24, 25 and 29, were arrested for organising and / or taking part in an unauthorised assembly.
Police condemn such violent acts. Police reiterate that we respect the public's freedoms of expression, speech and assembly and always handle public meetings, demonstrations and processions in a fair, just and impartial manner in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.
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.
Ends/Sunday, May 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 23:49
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