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SCMP Reporter

A protest by pro-democracy activists and clashes with police punctuated the solemn ceremony at Wan Chai waterfront to usher in the SAR's third year.

 A 60-strong crowd from three protesting groups beat a police blockade to get within 300 metres of the ceremony, at which Vice-President Hu Jintao officiated.

 Protesters chanted anti-Beijing slogans so loudly they could be heard during Mr Hu's speech.

 The area around the Convention and Exhibition Centre had been declared a restricted zone at 7am.

 Uniformed officers were deployed around the streets near the Convention Centre and all footbridges leading to the centre sealed off.

 Even spectators had to go through metal detectors before being allowed into the public stand.

 At least three marine police boats were patrolling in the harbour off the Convention Centre.

 More than 400 uniformed policemen and Police Tactical Unit officers were mustered.

 Tension started building up just after 6.30am when protesters from the April 5th Action Group, carrying a mock tomb, marched into the area to be confronted by about 100 officers.

 Scuffles broke out as the group pushed over the police barricades and officers retreated.

 The concession gave a rare chance for demonstrators, who occupied the two major entrances, to rally close to a venue with mainland guests.

 Shouts of 'Down with Li Peng', 'Democracy for China' and 'Return Diaoyu Islands' echoed as the group chanted, in Cantonese and Mandarin, through loud-hailers. The noise could be heard by the 500 guests at the unveiling ceremony for the $10 million granite Reunification Monument at the waterfront.

 Officers swiftly confiscated three of the group's loud-hailers, citing the Summary Offences Ordinance.

 Protest organiser and legislator Szeto Wah condemned the police act as 'killing freedom of speech and assembly'.

 Wan Chai police assistant district commander Superintendent Cheung Tak-yiu said the police had exercised great tolerance.

 'We received five complaints about noise from the public,' he said. 'After efforts to ask the protesters to reduce the volume of the loud-hailers failed, we temporarily confiscated the devices.'  The loud-hailers were returned to the group but police warned they reserved the right to prosecute.



Protesters' slogans interrupt celebration