Police are aware that an organiser has filed a notification to hold a public meeting and a public procession on Hong Kong Island this afternoon (June 16). Upon risk assessment, Police regarded that the public meeting and procession are high-risk activities with crowd gatherings. To maintain public order and public safety, and protecting the rights and freedom of others, Police have issued a Letter of Objection to the organiser earlier. Police reiterate that anyone participating in such events may be found guilty of “taking part in an unauthorised assembly” under the Public Order Ordinance and be liable to a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. Besides, engaging in public gatherings will also increase the risk of transmission of virus in the community and may violate the prohibition of group gatherings under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation.
Police believe that such unauthorised assemblies and prohibited group gatherings will very likely cause serious obstruction to traffic on Hong Kong Island, potentially leading to delays in emergency services. Police will take into consideration different traffic conditions and implement temporary route diversion as well as traffic control measures accordingly. Police are calling on road users to watch out for any incidents that may occur in different districts and avoid going to affected areas. More importantly, drivers should follow the instructions given by police officers at the scene and avoid travelling to dangerous areas.
Police stress that any group gatherings taking place during the ongoing pandemic can also increase the risk of spreading the virus. Police call upon members of the public to refrain from taking part in unauthorised assemblies and prohibited group gatherings. Police do not condone any illegal acts and will take resolute action to enforce the law, including making arrests.
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