Legco To Enforce Tight Security On Rally Days

The Legco authorities said on Monday that tightened security measures will be imposed at the complex on Saturday, Sunday and National Day next Tuesday, and “strongly advised” the public to stay away from the building on those days – when anti-government protests are expected.

A notice posted by the Legco Secretariat outside the building at Tamar said the arrangements are being made as a safety precaution.

It said when necessary, the Legco’s Secretary General will consult the Legco Commission and issue a “red alert”, under which all people inside the building will be evacuated as soon as possible.

It said, therefore, the Legco Secretariat needs to know the exact number of people inside the complex. All staff, journalists and visitors will be required to register before entering the building on these three days.

It adds that when necessary, the Legco’s Secretary General will consult the Legco Commission and ask police to be on standby inside and outside the building to handle any emergency.

Police have issued a letter of no objection to the Civil Human Rights Front, which plans to hold a rally on Saturday evening at Tamar Park next to the Legco complex. The event is held to mark the fifth anniversary of the Occupy movement.

Mass demonstrations on Sunday and on National Day are also being organised by various pro-democracy groups.

The Legco complex was vandalised by a group of protesters who charged into it during a protest on July 1. It still hasn't reopened fully and is undergoing multi-million dollar repair work.