Hong Kong legislators propose three-metre fence to keep protesters at bay

The overnight storming of the Legislative Council complex yesterday prompted 41 pro-establishment lawmakers to support proposals to step up security measures, including installing a three-metre-high fence outside the building and seeking a court order to eject protesters.

But pan-democratic lawmakers object to the measures, saying a fence would keep people at a distance from the legislature and an injunction was inappropriate.

Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, of the Business and Professionals Alliance, said security had to be strengthened to protect the estimated 1,000 people working in Legco when it is in session - 600 staff in the secretariat, 100 reporters and 300 councillors' assistants.

"Their safety should come first. The Occupy protests have caused safety and hygiene problems. We have asked Legco's legal advisers to study the possibility of an injunction," Leung said.

He cited a rule of the Legislative Council Commission that people using the demonstration areas outside Legco could only remain there for up to 48 hours at a time.

Leung noted that the council could also use the Powers and Privileges Ordinance that makes it a criminal offence to obstruct legislators on their way to and from the building and in the chamber. But he said be believed an injunction would be "more of a deterrent".

Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung, also from Leung's alliance, said erecting a three-metre fence at the Legco car park entrance and the adjacent members' entrance was "worth considering".