HK police arrest at least 86 people over illegal assemblies
HONG KONG - The Hong Kong police arrested at least 86 people who were involved in illegal group gatherings in various areas in Hong Kong on National Day.
The police said they arrested 74 persons, including four district councilors, after they were suspected of participating in unauthorized assemblies in Causeway Bay. Others were suspected of possessing offensive weapons, failing to produce valid documents of identity, possessing forged identity cards, and disorderly conduct in public places.
The police strongly condemned the acts of the protestors and some public officials who disregarded public safety and undermined social peace. The police said they will strictly enforce the law if anyone attempts to challenge the rule of law.
Large crowds gathered on Great George Street in Causeway Bay from 2 pm and some of them chanted the slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times", allegedly inciting or abetting others to commit secession, police announced on their official Facebook page.
Police repeatedly called on the crowds to disperse and stop any illegal acts, warning that they might have breached the National Security Law. The crowds could also be held liable for “participating in an unauthorized assembly” under the Public Order Ordinance or for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation, police said.
A 23-year-old man was arrested in Wan Chai at around 4 pm for the possession of a folding knife, according to the police.
Police also condemned the hurling of gasoline bombs on Lung Cheung Road near Tin Ma Court in Wong Tai Sin at around 3 pm.
In an earlier statement issued on Thursday, police said they had stepped up law enforcement across the territory following calls for illegal assemblies and violent attacks on National Day.
Some netizens have incited others to commit unlawful acts on October 1, including taking part in unauthorized assemblies, attacking police officers with knives and gasoline bombs, damaging police stations and blocking roads, police said.
“To ensure that members of the public may enjoy the festival in a safe and orderly manner, police have made sufficient deployment at various districts and will closely monitor the situation and step up intelligence gathering,” police said in the statement.
Police reiterated that they had rejected a public procession proposed by an organization earlier and the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions had upheld the ban.
Anyone who organizes, participates or incites participation in the illegal assembly risks committing an offense, police said.
According to the Public Order Ordinance, participating in an unauthorized assembly carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment while taking part in a riot carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. In addition, anyone who participates or organizes a prohibited group gathering is liable to a fine at level 4 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.
Police will enforce the law resolutely and intervene swiftly against anyone suspected of being involved in any unlawful activities, police said.
Members of the public are encouraged to stay tuned to the latest announcements on police’s social media and avoid staying in areas where unlawful activities may break out, police said.
In a separate press release, a spokesperson for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department called on members of the public to observe social distancing rules during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.
Gatherings of more than four people in public places are banned in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Members of the public are reminded not to enter closed leisure facilities such as public beaches and barbecue sites. Burning wax and flying sky lanterns at LCSD's venues are also prohibited, the spokesperson said.
The LCSD will step up patrols at relevant venues and enforcement actions will be taken against any violation of the relevant regulations, the spokesperson said.