CE addresses public gatherings issue

March 28, 2023

 (To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

 

The Government has the responsibility to ensure that public gatherings are not hijacked or get out of control so as to avoid endangering the public’s safety or even national security.

 

Chief Executive John Lee made the remark this morning when asked by reporters about a last Sunday’s public procession in Tseung Kwan O where certain conditions were attached.

 

Mr Lee said that while the people’s right to take part in public gatherings should be respected, Police have to ensure such gatherings proceed in an orderly manner under the law.

 

“We have to be careful (to ensure) that any public gathering will not be either hijacked or turn into troubles that will cause not just inconvenience, but (also a) risk to public order, public safety and also national security.”

 

He added that after each public gathering, Police will take time to review what occurred in an effort to gather more experience for handling similar requests for gatherings in the future.

 

“After every action, Police will, of course, consider the whole process and then they will come up with some good ideas about (how) things should proceed.”

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