Hong Kong police ramp up security ahead of planned protests to disrupt Legco debate on national anthem law
- Demonstrators are seeking to derail second reading of controversial bill in a repeat of action last June
- But authorities will deploy 3,000 officers and water cannons at Legco and liaison office to prevent crowds from gathering
About 3,000 police officers will be deployed across Hong Kong on Wednesday when protesters are expected to stage a rally outside the legislature and try to paralyse traffic in an attempt to derail debate on a controversial national anthem bill.
Police were already strengthening security around the Legislative Council on Monday, erecting additional water-filled barriers and sending riot officers to patrol the area.
Lawmakers will carry out a second reading of the national anthem bill, which penalises anyone for misusing or insulting March of the Volunteers with a fine of up to HK$50,000 (US$6,450) and three years in prison.
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Protesters are being urged on social media to surround Legco and disrupt proceedings in a way similar to June 12 last year, when tens of thousands of demonstrators brought the second reading of the government’s failed extradition bill to a halt.