228 arrested for unlawful assembly

July 02, 2011

Police this morning arrested 228 people in Central suspected of causing obstruction in a public place and unlawful assembly, including 181 men and 47 women, aged 17 to 68.
 
Last night, some participants of processions on Hong Kong Island occupied both sides of Connaught Road Central and part of Queens Road Central, paralysing traffic. They refused to leave after repeated Police warnings.
 
To resume social order, public safety and traffic flow, Police arrested some demonstrators. The officers showed restraint professionally, and adopted necessary force.
 
The Police respect the public's right to express their views, and their freedom of speech and assembly. When people express their opinion, they must obey Hong Kong’s laws and social order.
 
The Police ensure the processions are conducted in a safe and orderly manner, and facilitate the organiser. At the same time, officers do not tolerate violent acts. They will take action to resume social order and public safety if the order is violated.