Update | Popular protest spot Civic Square closed for security works, public access limited
Access to 'Civic Square' forecourt to be blocked at night as security measure, but campaigners complain it is a blow to freedom of assembly
A three-metre-high fence is being built outside the government's headquarters amid security fears after several mass protests.
Critics attacked the measure, saying it undermined the right to freedom of assembly. The fence will block what used to be free access to the forecourt, or "Civic Square" as protesters call it, in front of the east-wing entrance to the Tamar site in Admiralty.
When work is completed, a rule will be introduced denying unauthorised people access to the square between 11pm and 6am. Fences will also be built to separate the forecourt from the Legco complex. Anti-collision barriers will be erected in other locations.
But mass protests will be allowed in the square on public holidays and Sundays with prior consent from the director of the Administration Wing.
Officials said the fencing was necessary in light of recent protests outside the Legco complex against plans to build two new towns in the New Territories.