Hundreds Gaze At Stars To Support Arrested Student

Several hundred people have gathered on the Tsim Sha Tsui harbour-front to show solidarity with a Baptist University student, who was arrested for carrying 10 laser pointers on Tuesday.

The participants said they were joining a stargazing event. They waved their laser pointers around and chanted slogans.

Baptist University Student Union head, Keith Fong, was arrested in Sham Shui Po on Tuesday night on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons after several off-duty officers said they saw him buying 10 laser pointers at a stall in Apliu Street.

Police have sought to justify the controversial arrest. At a press conference on Wednesday, they demonstrated how the devices can set paper on fire.

Lasers have often been shone at police officers during the anti-extradition protests. Police say three officers have suffered injuries as a result.

But Democratic Party lawmaker James To said police had abused their power by arresting a student on suspicion of carrying offensive weapons.

To, who is also a lawyer, said that unless a person is carrying a weapon such as a knife, police cannot justify an arrest based merely on their suspicions.