Hong Kong police bans Saturday Rally to Protect Public Security

Hong Kong police have banned a Saturday rally and march, in an effort to guarantee citizen security and social order in face of calls to spread violence.

Kwok Pak-chung, Hong Kong Police commander, told reporters that marches and rallies were banned in the Central and Western districts, in order to protect the rights and freedom of other inhabitants, as new publications were seen on social media encouraging people to riot.

As Kwok recalled, recent activities of this kind became overly violent, often spreading to other areas not included in the approved routes, where rioters vandalized public buildings, attacked police officers with lethal devices and also clashed with citizens.

Kwok added that the police must take proactive measures and prevent riots, as it considered that radicals are likely to join the marches and lead extreme acts.

In face of this scenario, business representatives signed a letter suggesting giving greater power to law enforcement bodies or invoking article 18 of the Basic Law - the Hong Kong Magna Carta - to stop riots and restore the peace, as reported by the Global Times newspaper.

This article contemplates the declaration of a state of emergency in the zone, when national unity or security is in danger and local authorities cannot control the situation.

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