Hong Kong government sought to secure its headquarters before Joshua Wong and Occupy leaders unleashed protests, court hears
Senior official testifies in trial of top student activists that premises’ forecourt was not a public space and required prior approval for entry
Special arrangements were made to secure government headquarters’ east wing forecourt on the night Scholarism convenor Joshua Wong Chi-fung allegedly incited others to enter the premises before the Occupy movement took full swing in 2014, according to court testimony on Tuesday.
As such, Yuen said only government or Legislative Council staff and reporters holding passes could enter – but not stay at – the forecourt, such as when it was closed from 11pm to 7am daily.
Those who wished to use it for purposes other than just walking or driving through on Sundays or public holidays would have to seek prior approval, he added.
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Yuen further testified that the space, also known as Civic Square, was closed for the first time for security reasons on September 26, 2014, following the full installation of new security fences two weeks prior on September 10.
But he recalled seeing people trying to break into the closed space at about 10:30pm on September 26, with some trying to pull open the gates.