Rights group abruptly calls off Hong Kong’s first authorised rally in 3 years
- Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association does not explain why it decided against holding Sunday demonstration, which police had approved
- Police superintendent says violent groups had expressed intention to take part in event
A women’s rights group has abruptly called off what would have been the first authorised rally in Hong Kong in three years, although the reason for the cancellation remained unclear.
The Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association planned to hold the demonstration on Sunday, ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday, but informed police on Saturday it had called off the event.
The group had obtained a letter of no objection from police after seeking permission to hold the rally. While the association expressed “regret” over the cancellation and did not offer to explain its decision, a police superintendent said violent groups had expressed an intention to take part.
“Although police do not want anyone to defy the law, police still observe many people, including violent gangs, who have expressed their eagerness to answer the call [of the organiser],” said Dennis Cheng Wai-kin, acting senior superintendent of the Hong Kong Island regional headquarters.
Cheng warned that anyone who assembled at the relevant locations could be prosecuted for taking part in an unauthorised assembly.
“In the interests of national security, public safety, public order and other concerns, police have the duty to adopt various appropriate measures to prevent any unlawful activities,” he said. “Police will deploy adequate manpower at relevant locations on the day and take resolute enforcement action.”
