Public urged to avoid illicit assemblies
Police today urged the public not to participate in unauthorised assemblies and prohibited group gatherings.
Police issued the statement after noticing that some people have been calling on the public to take part in an unauthorised assembly under the pretext of a religious gathering on Hong Kong Island on June 12.
The force pointed out that not all religious activities are exempted from the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation.
They explained that gatherings during a religious activity are exempted only if held at premises constructed or regularly used as a place of worship.
Police reiterated that anyone participating in such events may be found guilty of taking part in an unauthorised assembly in accordance with the Public Order Ordinance and liable to a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
They emphasised that engaging in public gatherings will also increase the risk of transmission of the virus in the community and those doing so may commit certain offences under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation.
Police stressed that they will deploy adequate manpower in relevant locations and take resolute action to enforce the law, including making arrests.
Additionally, Police noted that a large group of protesters behaved in a disorderly manner and blocked roads while gathered in Central last night.
In the small hours, Police arrested 53 people, consisting of 36 males and 17 females, for unlawful assembly and participating in an unauthorised assembly.