Government Warns Protesters Hamper Police Work

A government spokesman said it is unacceptable for protesters to block the roads and surround Police Headquarters, warning that the hundreds of people who besieged Arsenal House on Wednesday night were seriously affecting police work and inconveniencing the public.

He said the government respects the public’s right to peaceful assembly, but called on the protesters to disperse as soon as possible, and be considerate in expressing their views.

Earlier Senior Superintendent Kong Wing-cheung of the Police Public Relations Bureau said the Report Room service at the station had to be suspended because of the large number of people and the blocked roads.

He appealed to protesters not to block the emergency vehicle access, and not to obstruct staff members from entering or leaving the building.

He asked the protesters to act peacefully and orderly when expressing their views.

Many of the protesters had left by around 3am Thursday, with only around 100 remaining.