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Hong Kong police ready to use force to prevent any Labour Day protest chaos amid coronavirus social-distancing orders
- About 3,000 riot officers equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons will be deployed to maintain order
- Preparations come as city’s leader warns about ‘continuous political devastation’ caused by opposition lawmakers
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Hong Kong police will deploy 3,000 riot officers who will “act first and fast” to prevent crowds from gathering on Labour Day after online calls urged residents to join anti-government displays across the city despite social-distancing laws aimed at containing the Covid-19 pandemic.
The force is also reassembling its core squad of 6,000 riot-control officers to prepare for possible unrest on the two most politically charged anniversaries of the year, in June and July, the Post has learned.
The preparations came as Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said Hong Kong could not withstand a resurgence in violence or the “continuous political devastation” caused by opposition lawmakers filibustering in the legislature.
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Lam pointed to a bill extending maternity leave, which has languished in the House Committee since January, as an example of the cost of their tactics.
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Police last week denied permission for major unions to stage the main Labour Day rally, citing risks to public health. Organisers had pledged to ensure participants would remain 1.8 metres (roughly 6 feet) apart and avoid gathering in groups greater than four, as required under social-distancing laws.
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