Hong Kong police will be out in force as Occupy Central supporters mark anniversary of protests that rocked city
3,000 officers to be deployed as democracy campaigners plan a series of events a year after they defied tear gas to take over the streets
About 3,000 police officers will be deployed on Monday as a series of activities are held to commemorate the first anniversary of the pro-democracy Occupy protests, according to police sources.
Another 500 officers will be on call, but will only be activated if there is a massive turnout of protesters or if chaos breaks out, the force insiders said on Friday.
One police source said about 2,000 officers would be assigned to Hong Kong Island as key players of last year's Occupy campaign would mount a series of activities around government headquarters in Admiralty.
It is understood about 900 officers will be deployed to West Kowloon, where police expect so-called protesters to stage a "surprise" rally in Mong Kok. Since the Occupy site in Mong Kok was cleared last year, such protesters have regularly held gatherings under the guise of shopping to obstruct Mong Kok traffic at night on Sundays and public holidays.
"We appeal to participants to stay away from troublemakers and not to follow radical protesters in case of any eventuality," the source said. "Any violence and chaos should be condemned."
Another police source said that so far, there was no indication protesters would attempt occupations or other radical activities.
Yesterday, acting secretary for security John Lee Ka-chiu said while members of the public had the right to express their views and hold public meetings, they should do so in accordance with the law and in a peaceful and orderly manner.
