Tseung Kwan O protest organisers confident over turnout at first Hong Kong rally since lifting of Covid-19 curbs, despite number tag, mask ban imposed by police

Tseung Kwan O protest against reclamation plan in area obtained letter of no objection from police to hold rally on Sunday

Organisers say they expect more than 100 people allowed under cap to turn out, but will turn away excess participants to respect quota

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Hong Kong police have asked organisers of a demonstration in Tseung Kwan O to put a number tag on every participant. Photo: Handout

Published: 9:06pm, 25 Mar 2023Updated: 11:39pm, 25 Mar 2023

Organisers of a demonstration in Tseung Kwan O, who were asked by Hong Kong police to put a number tag on every participant, have said they are confident about the turnout of the Sunday rally but will not admit protesters to the gathering once the 100-person quota has been filled.

A group of homeowners in Tseung Kwan O protesting a reclamation plan obtained a letter of no objection from police to organise a demonstration on Sunday, but it came with unprecedented conditions.

Every participant must wear a number tag, according to the letter, to ensure there would not be more than 100 people taking part in the procession. The organiser also had to obtain proof of “reasonable excuse” from those who wore masks.

Cyrus Chan Chin-chun, one of the organisers and a member of the Concern Group For Tseung Kwan O People’s Livelihood, said they would turn potential participants away after all 100 number tags were handed out.

Residents of Metro Town in Tseung Kwan O are set to protest on Sunday against a reclamation plan. Photo: Bloomberg

“It definitely will be exceeded,” said Chan, referring to the attendance cap imposed by the police. “It’s not just one housing estate organising it as there are eight to 10 estates behind us.”