Police moved in on Wednesday to break up a crowd of protesters who had gathered to march against the government’s revival of a plan to use the newly-completed Chun Yeung Estate for quarantine purposes.
The protest broke out after government officials refused to accede to the demands of Fo Tan residents and local district councillors in a meeting on Monday to withdraw the decision to use the new housing estate to hold people under observation for potential Wuhan coronavirus infection.
At around 1pm, hundreds of people gathered outside Shatin Galleria and began marching, with riot police already on standby at the scene.
Police later hoisted a blue flag, warning they would use force against people unwilling to disperse.
Shortly thereafter, officers hoisted a yellow flag as the crowd arrived at Wong Chuk Yeung Street, reminding them they could be prosecuted.
The protesters ultimately dispersed of their own accord at around 2:45pm upon arriving at Fo Tan railway station.
The demonstration is the second in Fo Tan in as many weeks, with residents similarly protesting the government’s decision on Sunday.
Ken Mak Tsz-kin, Sha Tin district councillor representing Sui Wo, told HK01 that he will wait for the police’s approval to hold another march against the government’s plan this coming Sunday.
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