No Plan To Impose Curfew, Ban Protests: Government

The Security Bureau on Tuesday dismissed a media report that the government is studying the possibility of declaring a curfew in certain districts to ban protests.

A bureau spokesman said there's no such plan, and authorities will continue to deal with applications for protests under the existing mechanism, in which organisers have to inform the police of their plans and police would then issue a letter of no objection.

The Apple Daily reported that the government was looking at its options after clashes between demonstrators and police, following marches against the now suspended extradition bill in previous weekends.

The report cited the Chief Executive in Council can invoke article 17(E) of the Public Order Ordinance to prohibit public gatherings if it's necessary to prevent serious public disorder.

Under that provision, anyone who takes part or organises these protests can be jailed for up to three years.

Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, Tam Man-kei, said it's "unwise" for the government to tighten its grip on peaceful rallies under the current social and political climate.

"I think the only solution right now is for Carrie Lam to listen to the people and to answer their call," Tam said.