Unlawful assemblies condemned

May 11, 2020

Police today condemned protesters for disregarding the Government’s disease prevention and control measures and participating in or organising prohibited group gatherings on May 10.

 

As of noon, Police issued fixed penalty tickets to 19 people for violating the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation in various districts and arrested about 230 people.

 

According to the regulation, group gatherings of more than eight people in any public place are prohibited.

 

Starting yesterday afternoon, protesters gathered and chanted slogans at various shopping malls in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island.

 

At about 4pm, Police noticed that groups of people were gathering inside a shopping mall in Mong Kok.

 

Police urged them to leave and conducted dispersal actions after giving numerous warnings in vain. At one point, officers deployed pepper rounds after they were surrounded by a group of people who ignored warnings.

     

Later, Police intercepted protesters inside the shopping mall. A 22-year-old man was found to have materials purportedly for making petrol bombs, including gasoline, some towels and lighters.

 

The man was arrested for possession of instrument fit for unlawful purpose and possession of dangerous drugs.

     

At night, protesters continued to gather in Mong Kok, blocking roads and setting fires with miscellaneous objects.

          

Given the severe epidemic situation, any group gathering may increase the risk of spreading COVID-19, Police stressed.

 

Citizens are advised not to participate in any prohibited group gatherings.

Back to top