40 return to Admiralty Occupy site in show of support for arrested girl

About 40 people returned to the Admiralty Occupy site yesterday to condemn what they called a new low for "political persecution" and to voice support for a 14-year-old girl who was arrested on December 23 for allegedly drawing two flowers with chalk at the site.

The child spent two nights at Tuen Mun Children and Juvenile Home before the High Court overturned the decision yesterday and released her on bail up to January 19, on condition that she lives with her father, continues her studies and obeys a curfew from 10pm to 6am.

"The police knew they would not stand a chance [of conviction] at courts but they are doing this to scare those who dare to speak up - and that includes children," said Yip Kwai-ho, a woman in her 60s who continues to camp in protest on the pavement outside government headquarters. "Those in power should never have left this political problem to the police."

Police yesterday fenced off what was known as the "Lennon Wall" - which during Occupy was plastered with colourful notes calling for full democracy - only after a few people scribbled "Down with CY [Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying]" on the concrete slab, near the government headquarters.

Arguments broke out when one officer was alleged to have pushed the crowd away with his belly. "He offered no explanation and kept telling us to leave," said Au Yiu-kai, a doctor who led a team of first-aid volunteers during Occupy.

Civic Party leader Alan Leong Kah-kit said the party's lawyers would provide free legal assistance to the protesters, adding that many people, including the party's chairwoman Audrey Eu Yuet-mee, plan to raise funds to help arrestees who were not receiving legal aid.