HK police arrest at least 86 people over illegal assemblies

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong police arrested at least 86 people who were involved in illegal group gatherings in various areas in Hong Kong on National Day.

The police said they arrested 74 persons, including four district councilors, after they were suspected of participating in unauthorized assemblies in Causeway Bay. Others were suspected of possessing offensive weapons, failing to produce valid documents of identity, possessing forged identity cards, and disorderly conduct in public places.

The police strongly condemned the acts of the protestors and some public officials who disregarded public safety and undermined social peace. The police said they will strictly enforce the law if anyone attempts to challenge the rule of law.

Large crowds gathered on Great George Street in Causeway Bay from 2 pm and some of them chanted the slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times", allegedly inciting or abetting others to commit secession, police announced on their official Facebook page.

Police repeatedly called on the crowds to disperse and stop any illegal acts, warning that they might have breached the National Security Law. The crowds could also be held liable for “participating in an unauthorized assembly” under the Public Order Ordinance or for violating the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation, police said.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in Wan Chai at around 4 pm for the possession of a folding knife, according to the police.

Police also condemned the hurling of gasoline bombs on Lung Cheung Road near Tin Ma Court in Wong Tai Sin at around 3 pm.

In an earlier statement issued on Thursday, police said they had stepped up law enforcement across the territory following calls for illegal assemblies and violent attacks on National Day.

Some netizens have incited others to commit unlawful acts on October 1, including taking part in unauthorized assemblies, attacking police officers with knives and gasoline bombs, damaging police stations and blocking roads, police said.