Street performer 'Mr Funny' faces charge over public obstruction

A street performer known as 'Mr Funny' has a case to answer on a charge of obstructing a public place by attracting dozens of onlookers while juggling in a pedestrian area, a magistrate ruled yesterday.

Andrew So Chun-chau, 50, pleaded not guilty in Eastern Court to causing an obstruction on Great George Street in Causeway Bay on April 6.

The court heard So was juggling a rubber diabolo in front of about 60 people between 6.30pm and 9pm on the public holiday. Police, who received two complaints, prosecuted So after he ignored verbal warnings.

Onlookers were unhappy with the police action, accusing them of 'suppressing art' and questioning their authority to deny the people the right to enjoy a show in a public place, an officer told the court.

The charge against So was laid a month before the government announced a six-month pilot scheme to promote street performances. From this month, street artists who pass an audition would be allowed to perform in the piazzas of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Sha Tin Town Hall and Kwai Tsing Theatre for free.

The case is being closely followed, as the court's ruling would have an impact on the development of street performances.

On that day, auxiliary police officer Yu Kwei-sun arrived at the scene following a complaint. He told So to stop his performance and that he needed a licence, but So said no government department issued such licences. So stopped after a verbal warning.