Shops are closed for business as protesters gather in Causeway Bay on Aug 5, 2019. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
The applications for anti-government rallies in four districts on the weekend have been rejected by the police due to security concerns, a police spokesperson said at the daily press briefing on Friday.
A police spokesperson said the decision was made after consideration of public order and safety and to protect other people’s rights and freedoms
Ng Lok-chun, senior superintendent of Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters, said the decision was made after consideration of public order and safety and to protect other people’s rights and freedoms.
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A spate of recent protests had led to violent clashes between protesters and the police when radicals rushed police cordons, blocking roads, damaging public buildings and facilities and setting fires in the streets. In the mayhem, many protesters, police officers, reporters on the scene and some passersby were injured.
It was reiterated at the briefing that the police respects people's freedom of expression and will not resort to using force unless the protests deteriorated into acts of violence and rampant destruction.
Ng refuted rumors that the police would arrest protesters without trying to disperse them in advance when violence broke out.
Saturday marches were planned in Wong Tai Sin and Tai Po, while Sunday marches in Sham Shui Po and Eastern districts.
Also on Friday, representatives from different sectors in Hong Kong appealed to the public to reject violence and support the Hong Kong police in safeguarding the rule of law.
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A cross-sector alliance set up against the recent violent protests — Safeguard Hong Kong — hopes Hong Kong people can join a scheduled citywide pro-police campaign on Saturday. Activities include sending “thank you notes” to police and expressing gratitude to officers online.
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