Protesters, Police In Tuen Mun Standoff

Thousands of people rallied against noisy street performers in Tuen Mun on Saturday, in a protest that then saw demonstrators turn their ire on the police.

At one point, police used pepper spray to disperse a crowd of protesters who were attempting to stop a man they accused of attempting to incite them.

Organisers of the earlier demonstration, that saw protesters start in San Wo Lane Playground before marching to Tuen Mun Park, say 10,000 people took part. The police said 1,800 people were involved at its peak.

The protesters chanted “Retrieve Tuen Mun”, and said singers at the park had caused noise pollution and disturbed local residents.

They claimed the situation at Tuen Mun Park was getting out of control, and alleged that some performers were seeking payment illegally, acting indecently, and even prostituting themselves - meaning they could not bring children there. They also said authorities were turning a blind eye to the situation.

Heated arguments and scuffles broke out between protesters and some of the performers’ fans, as well as pro-police demonstrators.

At one point, a man who protesters accused of inciting and hitting some of them was escorted away from the scene by police. They escorted him to a nearby shopping centre, where he was put into a taxi.

The demonstrators attempted to stop the taxi from leaving, and spilled onto the road. Police officers raised a red warning flag, and used pepper spray to clear the way.

A group of protesters surrounded a public toilet when one of the performers was inside, and it took police about two hours to clear them from the facility.

Hundreds of protesters then engaged in an hours-long stand-off with the police, occupying roads and chanting, with some also moving outside the Tuen Mun Police Station, which was allegedly targeted by demonstrators using laser-pointers.

Democratic Party lawmakers Lam Cheuk-ting and Ted Hui were on the scene, acting as mediators between the police and protesters.

The remaining protesters eventually decided to leave at around 9.30pm.

______________________________