Hong Kong police have banned a planned march in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing on Sunday, citing concerns over public safety. Instead, the force has approved a stationary rally in Tsuen Wan Park — the protest’s original endpoint.
Natalie Hong, superintendent at the New Territories South Regional Headquarters, said at a police regular press conference on Friday that the march was prohibited owing to concerns over public order, public safety, and protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Hong said the proposed demonstration at Kwai Fong South Bus Terminus was banned because it would affect traffic in the area and threaten the safety of the public, including protesters. She said Kwai Chung police station, Tsuen Wan police station and New Territories South Regional Police Headquarters, which appear along the march route, were previously besieged by protesters in July.
“We have reasons to believe if a rally and a march are approved, similar situations may occur again,” she said. Organisers of Sunday’s march are calling on attendees to reiterate the five demands of anti-extradition law protesters, as well as condemn alleged police misconduct and collusion with triads. Police have previously banned marches on weekends citing public safety concerns, but such efforts have failed with protesters taking to the streets nonetheless.
Natalie Hong, superintendent at the New Territories South Regional Headquarters, said at a police regular press conference on Friday that the march was prohibited owing to concerns over public order, public safety, and protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Hong said the proposed demonstration at Kwai Fong South Bus Terminus was banned because it would affect traffic in the area and threaten the safety of the public, including protesters. She said Kwai Chung police station, Tsuen Wan police station and New Territories South Regional Police Headquarters, which appear along the march route, were previously besieged by protesters in July.
“We have reasons to believe if a rally and a march are approved, similar situations may occur again,” she said. Organisers of Sunday’s march are calling on attendees to reiterate the five demands of anti-extradition law protesters, as well as condemn alleged police misconduct and collusion with triads. Police have previously banned marches on weekends citing public safety concerns, but such efforts have failed with protesters taking to the streets nonetheless.
