Police Warn People Against Joining Sunday March

Police have warned people against joining an unsanctioned march over the national anthem bill on Sunday, after online calls were issued by some protest groups asking people to gather on Hong Kong Island.

The force said in a Facebook post that people should not join any unauthorised assembly, and reminded people that a social gathering restriction imposed over coronavirus – which prohibits any group gathering of more than eight persons in any public place – was still in place.

It said that the force will deploy adequate manpower and take "resolute law enforcement action as appropriate". The message also said they will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any illegal acts.

Security has been tight around the liaison office from Friday as Beijing announced its decision to introduce a national security law in Hong Kong, with armed police and barriers in place.

On Saturday morning, another group of riot police were seen entering the liaison office.

Armoured vehicles were also seen parked outside the liaison office.

The online calls for a march from Causeway Bay to Wan Chai were to protest against the controversial national anthem bill, which is set to resume its second reading at Legco on Wednesday.

The planned legislation would ban “insults” against the March of the Volunteers and those found guilty would face a fine of up to HK$50,000 and three years in prison.