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Police noticed that during the Christmas holidays and last weekend, protestors still gathered in the vicinity of Mong Kok, blocking the roads and causing chaos. They not only affected the business of the shops there, but also caused serious nuisance to the residents nearby. A Police spokesman today (December 30) appeal to members of the public to express views in a peaceful, rational and lawful manner and to desist from conducting public meeting and procession by way of so called ¡°mobile occupation¡±, particularly at crowded areas on New Year¡¯s Eve, to avoid causing nuisance to local community and shops, so that the public can enjoy a peaceful and joyful New Year¡¯s Eve and festive season.
Police arrested 49 persons, aged between 13 and 76, in Mong Kok in the past few days for offences including "assaulting Police officer", "obstructing Police officer in execution of duty", "disorderly conduct in public place" and "criminal damage", etc. Police condemned such malicious acts of nuisance, and will strengthen deployment in various districts during New Year¡¯s Eve and the New Year holidays with a view to maintaining public order and safeguarding public safety.
Police emphasise that if anyone refuses to comply with Police advice and warning, and deliberately disrupts public order and engages in acts that disregard the safety of others, Police will take resolute enforcement action to stop the unlawful behaviour. Police also urge members of the public, in particular underage youngsters, not to take part in such activities or be incited to commit illegal acts.
Police reiterate that we respect the public's freedoms of expression, speech and assembly. It is the policy of Police to facilitate all peaceful, rational and lawful 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.
Besides, Police noted recent media reports saying that some people alleged they were mistreated by Police officers during unlawful public order events held earlier. Police urged the people concerned to provide information to the Complaints Against Police Office so that we could handle those allegations according to the established procedures in a fair and impartial manner.
Ends/Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:38
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