Some netizens incited others to commit unlawful acts, participate in unauthorised assemblies and even launch violent attacks, including attacking police officers with knives and petrol bombs, damaging police stations and blocking roads, in various districts today (October 1).
It must be reiterated that Police objected to a public procession proposed by an organisation earlier on, and the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions upheld the decision eventually. Anyone who continue to organise, participate or incite participation in the abovementioned procession risks committing the offence of “Participating in an unauthorised assembly” under the Public Order Ordinance or breaching the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation. According to the Public Order Ordinance, participating in an unauthorised assembly carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment while taking part in a riot carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. In addition, anyone who participates or organises a prohibited group gathering is liable to a fine at level 4 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.
To ensure that members of the public may enjoy the festival in a safe and orderly manner, Police have made sufficient deployment at various districts, and will closely monitor the situation and step up intelligence gathering. If anyone is suspected of being involved in any unlawful activities, police officers will intervene swiftly and enforce the law resolutely. In the interest of personal safety, members of the public are encouraged to stay tuned to the latest announcements on Police’s social media and avoid staying in areas where unlawful activities may break out.
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