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Two organisations held public processions at Yuen Long town centre this afternoon (March 1). When reaching Yuen Long On Ning Road and Sau Fu Street, some participants disputed with the bystanders and threw objects against each other. A number of participants even dashed onto the carriageways and caused disturbances to the shops nearby and other road users. After the processions, a large group of participants scattered in the vicinity of Castle Peak Road - Yuen Long and Tai Tong Road, causing serious obstruction to the traffic. More than 10 bus routes were diverted as a result. The disturbances they caused to road users and shops had adversely affected public safety and public order.
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 and charged the Police cordon line. To ensure public safety and public order, Police took resolute actions by using the minimum level of force, including using pepper spray and batons, to stop the unlawful violent acts and arrest the protesters involved.
As at 8.30pm, Police arrested 31 men and two women, aged between 13 and 74, for ˇ°possession of offensive weapons", "assaulting Police officer", "obstructing Police", "fighting in a public placeˇ±,"common assaultˇ±,"disorder in public placesˇ± and ˇ°indecent assaultˇ±. Five Police officers were injured during the incident.
Police condemned the protesters for charging the Police cordon line repeatedly and their unlawful behaviours. 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 1, 2015
Issued at HKT 23:21
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