Hong Kong protests: Civil Human Rights Front loses appeal against police ban on Sunday march, but members will press on in ‘personal capacity’
- Police tell appeal board that march destination at West Kowloon high-speed rail terminus is a possible target of vandalism and attack
- Group calls result ‘regrettable’, with vice-convenor saying event will still go on with help of pan-democrats
Hong Kong’s authorities have upheld a police ban on a planned anti-government march in Tsim Sha Tsui on Sunday, citing “public safety and order”, but organisers say they still intend to push ahead in their personal capacity.
In a majority decision on a four-member panel on Saturday, the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions dismissed the bid by march organiser Civil Human Rights Front, calling it a “difficult” decision.
Delivering the verdict, board vice chairwoman Betty Chan Ka-wai said: “The board has seriously considered the arguments for public order and protection of other people’s rights and property, and come to this difficult decision.”
At a media conference later, front vice-convenor and appellant Figo Chan Ho-wun said he and some pan-democrats would still press on with the event.
“I am not representing the front, but we believe Hongkongers have the freedom of peaceful assemblies, and that right is not given or decided by the government or police,” he said, adding participants should weigh the legal risks and remain peaceful.