Police criticised for arresting activists over storming of Legco

Opponents of the government's HK$120 billion plan to build new towns in the northeastern New Territories have accused police of attempting to scare off protesters by arresting activists.

Two people were detained yesterday, and a third who reported to police was arrested, over their role in a protest at the Legislative Council complex at Tamar, Admiralty, a week ago today. But campaigners said they would return to Legco today to "make their voices heard" as the Finance Committee discusses the plan again.

Dozens of people opposed to the plans - including activists and residents who will lose their homes - breached a security cordon to make their point to lawmakers debating a government request for HK$340 million in funding for preliminary work.

Wong Yeung-tat, founder of activist group Civic Passion, and campaigner Dickson Cheung Hon-yin were both released on bail and told to report back to police in mid-August.

A third activist, Yip Po-lam, went to Central Police Station last night after learning officers had visited her workplace while she was not there. She was arrested.

Opponents of the project said they would again attend the Legco building today as the Finance Committee is due to continue its discussion of the government funding request from 3pm.