Protest in Hong Kong

Do they have ties with Hong Kong?

Not that I know of. Although he can speak Cantonese.

The force issued a statement regarding the situation in Mongkok and troublemakers at Legco.

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Following are the opening remarks by the Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch, Mr Hui Chun-tak, at the press conference today (November 19):

First of all, Police strongly condemned the violent acts of some radical protestors who stormed the Legislative Council (Leg Co) Complex in the early hours of today. The riotous acts had seriously disrupted public order and public safety and led to damage in various parts of the Leg Co Complex.

At about 1am this morning, a group of radical individuals and troublemakers wearing helmets, goggles, surgical masks or facemasks repeatedly charged the glass doors of the Complex. They used mills barriers, bricks, concrete drainage covers and rubbish bins to smash the glass doors and damage the building facade.

At about 1.05am, Police received a request for assistance from the Leg Co. Police promptly arrived at scene and set up a cordon line outside the Complex to prevent violent radicals and troublemakers from further damaging the building and to preserve public safety and public order. Regrettably, some protestors obstructed Police reinforcements and led to serious confrontations. These radical protestors continued to incite others to charge Police. They verbally abused and provoked Police through loudhailers at close range and used flashlight to obscure the view of officers. They even threw umbrellas, plastic bottles and helmets at Police or charged Police officers resulting in violent confrontations. Some officers were pushed onto the ground and sustained injuries.

Police issued multiple warnings through announcement and display of warning banners at scene. These radical individuals and troublemakers ignored the warnings and continued to charge Police violently. Police had no alternative but to take resolute action and use minimum level of force by using pepper spray and batons to stop the violent acts. At the request of Leg Co Secretariat, Police inspected the Complex to ensure that no radical individuals remained thereat.

Police have so far arrested six males, aged between 18 and 24, for ‘criminal damage’ and ‘assaulting police’ in connection with the violent incident. Three Police officers were injured and required medical treatment.

I notice that some people incited others to block access to the Leg Co Complex on the Internet in an attempt to prevent Leg Co members from entering the building for meetings. I have to point out that there are many rumours and inaccurate information being circulated on the Internet. Members of the public have to make careful judgment to avoid being incited or used for illegal acts. I have to remind the public that anyone who obstructs Leg Co members from attending Leg Co meetings may be criminally liable. On the other hand, it is against the law to incite others on the Internet to commit illegal acts. The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s success and everyone should obey the law. Anyone who commits an illegal act, be it in the real world or cyber world, has to bear criminal liability and be subject to legal sanction. Police will continue to investigate the case and may make further arrests.

Police stress that we will not tolerate any acts of violence. Police have commenced a thorough criminal investigation and will bring those criminally liable to justice.

The second point concerns the Injunction Order on the blockage of roads in Mong Kok. The Court of First Instance has authorized bailiffs to assist the plaintiffs in removing obstructions and that the bailiffs can request the assistance of Police when necessary. The court has further authorized Police to arrest those who obstruct the bailiffs in executing their duties. Today, Police had a meeting with the plaintiffs and bailiffs in respect of the Injunction Orders relating to the blockage in Mong Kok. When the relevant parties have finalized the preparation, Police will assist the bailiffs to execute the Injunction Orders.

Police stress that the bailiffs are authorized by the court to execute court orders. Any acts amounting to obstruction may render one liable to the offence of ‘criminal contempt of court’. I appeal to protestors not to be incited by radical individuals and troublemakers to obstruct or violently charge the bailiffs. Police will take resolute actions against those who obstruct or violently charge the bailiffs who are executing their duties. When necessary, Police will use other powers conferred by the law to preserve public order and public safety. Police will also reclaim government property, such as mills barriers and water barriers, which have been illegally taken by the illegal road occupiers.

Police once again urge the illegal road occupiers to obey the court orders, remove obstacles and personal belongings, and to leave in a peaceful and orderly manner so that the roads can be re-opened and public order restored.

I want to emphasize that the illegally occupied part of Mong Kok remains a high-risk area. There are radicals and troublemakers of different camps provoking others in the illegally occupied areas. There is also a large assembly of people with different views who often dispute with each other in an emotional state, thereby increasing the chance of confrontation. Large-scale confrontations may be sparked off any time in Mong Kok. At about 2.15am this morning, Police arrested a 52-year-old man for ‘common assault’ and the case is now being handled by District Investigation Team of Mong Kok District. Members of the public, especially students, are urged to stay away from these areas and parents should not bring children there to avoid any unnecessary injuries. I notice that some radical individuals and troublemakers have incited others to commit illegal acts of violence on the Internet or at scene, and even provided supplies to facilitate the violent charging actions. However, these people left at once when violent confrontations were sparked off to avoid criminal liability and to shed the responsibility to others. I wish to remind the public that anyone taking part in such violent acts will have to bear the criminal liability. As such, do not be incited or used by others to commit illegal acts of violence.

I would like to sum up the two key messages today. Firstly, Police strongly condemned the violent radicals for storming and damaging the Leg Co Complex. Police will not tolerate any acts of violence in breach of public order and public safety. Such violent acts are not acceptable in society. Secondly, when the relevant parties have finished their preparation, Police will assist the bailiffs in executing the Injunction Orders concerning the blockage of roads in Mong Kok. Police are prepared and will take resolute actions against those who obstruct or violently charge the bailiffs who are executing their duties. Members of the public should not be incited or used by radical individuals or troublemakers to commit acts of violence. Police also urge the illegal road occupiers to obey the court orders, remove obstacles and personal belongings, and to stop occupying the roads to allow daily life of the general public to resume normal.

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"

Its been a while since I've heard anything about this. I take it that's bad news?

Well, the bad news is that the latest poll shows that 80% of the people wants the Occupy to end. It is causing some rift among the protesters/students.

The end game is probably coming.

Also found a Force statement regarding the use of tear gas:

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The Editor South China Morning Post

November 7, 2014

Dear Sir,

I refer to the letter by Anthony WONG Yiu-ming, convenor, Hong Kong Shield, titled “Police must work to restore public trust after tear gas attack” published on November 7, 2014 which showed Mr WONG’s misunderstanding of Police work. I would like to set the record straight.

Police have established stringent guidelines on the use of force. Depending on the prevailing circumstances and risk assessment, the use of force is that only the minimum force necessary to achieve the purpose may be used. Once that purpose has been achieved, the use of such force shall cease. On September 28, a large number of protesters charged the Police cordon lines. After repeated warnings, Police used the minimum force including pepper spray and batons to cease such charging acts. However, as the protesters did not stop their charging acts, Police, with no other alternatives, had to resort to tear smoke to prevent them from further charging Police and to create a safe distance so as to avoid more injuries during the confrontations.

Combating triads is one of the Force top priorities. It is an unfounded accusation that Police had colluded with triads. If anyone commits illegal acts, Police will take resolute and determined enforcement action in accordance with the laws, irrespective of his background.

On the alleged assault case involving seven officers and a protester, Police take the case very seriously and will not tolerate any illegal acts. The case is now under criminal investigation by a Special Investigation Team from the Complaints Against Police Office. Please rest assured that the investigation will be conducted in a fair, just and impartial manner.

Lastly, I wish to reassure readers that the Hong Kong Police Force continually strives to maintain the hard earned respect and public trust garnered over the years and will continue to serve the community by working to maintain Hong Kong as one of the safest societies in the world.

To do this, however, we require the support of the whole community and for all right-minded persons, as correctly pointed out by Mr. WONG, to condemn any and all illegal and violent acts, which can only do irreparable harm to the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Yours faithfully,

( HUI Chun-tak, Steve ) Chief Superintendent Police Public Relations Branch

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"

At least it reminded everyone of the price of adopting the "China model." Hopefully the citizens of countries that do have democracy will appreciate it more, and yes that includes the west not just other emerging nations.

I Bring Doom,and a bit of gloom, but mostly gloom.

HK Based troper here: The protests seem to be dying down, at least, and a good load are ready to go home. The MTR stations are less crowded, too.

If you want to ask me about people's reactions at the time of the protests and what the area looked like around Admiralty (I saw it myself), I can tell you.

Thanks Wild West Pyro. I have a more general question though - have the protests made any headway to resolving their central cause, or achieved other goals related to the democratisation of Hong Kong?

edited 23rd Nov '14 1:56:37 AM by betaalpha

I'd like to hear your version of events as well.

Well, they succeeded in getting China to call off the PLA troops, but 3 student leaders were prevented from going to Beijing recently.

My version of events, in order: -When people saw the footage, they were shocked. Why? Well, on the older protesters, they used water cannons against them. But for the students? Tear Gas Bombs and shotguns with rubber bullets. I mean, that was harsh. People called it "Hong Kong's Tiananmen."

-Then came the traffic jams. Thanks to the blockade, the main aim of the students was achieved-people couldn't get to school or work and stocks fell a bit as a result.

-Meanwhile in the protest areas, umbrellas-used as police-fighting weapons and tear gas shields-sold out.

-The tear gas made people angry-lots of people joined, including this British guy who brought a portable grill and cooked burgers and sausages for the students.

-The police also got a new bad rep. There were families taking sides, colleagues bickering in the office and friends turning against each other. Every policeman who had a family or a girlfriend would usually find them turning against him.

-At school, most people supported the students. Some of the less well-behaved students suddenly became very interested when they found out it was OK to skive, so now I saw people yelling "DEMOCRACY!" and saying that they were going to join the protests even though they knew nothing about politics.

That's all I can give you guys today-I'm tired, it's nearly 12 and I need to revise tomorrow. I'll update tomorrow.

edited 23rd Nov '14 8:00:03 AM by TheWildWestPyro

http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/03_police_message/solarpeak.html

The force has a website for "Operation Solarpeak", which I mentioned is the ongoing operation to remove protestors and any protest sites throughout Hong Kong.

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The force is using youtube to show their side on how they're handling operations in Mongkok.

edited 26th Nov '14 3:51:32 AM by Ominae

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"

The two student leaders of the protests have been arrested also.

China blocks British MPs' visit to Hong Kong

Keep Rolling On

http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/03_police_message/solarpeak_al.html

The force is getting appreciation letters from the public. From what I have read, they seem to blame the Occupy movement a lot.

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"

Joshua Wong began a hunger strike, but the official leaders say that the movement has failed andx peoppe are actually leaving.

Didn't the Occupy Movement tell people to "retreat"?

Keep Rolling On

Yeah, they did. They were worried that some of the protestors will resort to violence against the HKPF.

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"

The 3 original masterminds gave themselves up, but were released without charge.

I'm guessing that there were loads of flame wars.

Reuters reports widespread refusal in accepting the decision to move out of the protest areas.

Jimmy Lai calls for them to leave, but it's up to them to make the call.

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"

Joshua Wong has ended his hunger strike.

edited 6th Dec '14 6:24:18 AM by IraTheSquire

They made a basic tactical error in staying too long. They should have declared "victory" and voluntarily left a couple of weeks ago.

"We learn from history that we do not learn from history."

There’s a Catch-22 likewise – the pro-China factions can also declare “victory” in that the protests were successfully “defeated” much in the interests of Beijing. As a result, there’s internal pressure for the protesters to resist any idea about “surrendering” to the authorities.

Strategy 101: Never let your opponents inside your head. Regardless of what they may claim or not claim, you have to make your own decision in terms of your own interests, then fight the "frame war" in the PR arena.

"We learn from history that we do not learn from history."

True. That's what most of them expect of the pro-Chinese groups.

"Exit muna si Polgas. Ang kailangan dito ay si Dobermaxx!"