Dozens Arrested Over Rally Against Security Law

Fifty-three people were arrested on Sunday in connection with a demonstration against the national security law.

The suspects – 41 males and 12 females – were taken into custody on suspicion of unlawful assembly.

Dozens took part in a "silent protest" in the afternoon, heeding online calls for a show of force against the controversial bill that was being discussed by the National People's Congress Standing Committee in Beijing. Netizens had called for the march from Jordan to Mong Kok along Nathan Road.

Police called it an unauthorised rally, and made their presence felt in the area.

Officers set up temporary cordon lines in parts of Nathan Road and conducted searches on a number of people, including a 15-year-old reporter working for an online outlet.

Some of those at the rally held protest placards against the Chinese Communist Party and put up hand gestures demanding greater democracy.

At one point, officers used pepper spray against protesters outside the popular mall, CTMA Centre, in Mong Kok, forcing shops to pull down shutters.

Witnesses said police took action after an officer fell to the ground while trying to disperse the crowd.

Later in the afternoon, officers rounded up a group of people near Dundas Street and Nathan Road, after warning them they were taking part in an unlawful assembly.

Among those arrested were district councillors Ben Lam and Andy Chui, as well as several volunteer first-aiders.

They were taken away on two police coaches.

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