The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will not tolerate any illegal or violent acts. The arsons outside the Court of Final Appeal and High Court Building today (December 8) not only disrupted social peace, but also undermined Hong Kong’s reputation as a city governed by the rule of law. Arson is a serious offence which poses a threat to the lives and properties of the public. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment. Members of the public are urged not to break the law.

     The Department of Justice appeals to the public to respect the rule of law. The Government will not condone any acts of sabotage against the Judiciary or damage to the rule of law.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     Police have repeatedly reminded participants to disperse after the procession at the finishing point via Pedder Street direction. However, a large group of protestors are still occupying Pottinger Street and Des Voeux Road Central, they are participating in an unlawful assembly. Some of them are even holding weapons in hands. Police once again warn them to stop all illegal acts and appeal to bystanders to leave immediately. Police will use the minimum necessary force to effect dispersal and arrest.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     A public event is underway on Hong Kong Island today (December 8). The public meeting is held in Victoria Park, followed by a public procession expected to finish at Chater Road, Central. There is no authorised public meeting to be held at the finishing point.
      
     Some participants deviated from the approved route and occupied part of Gloucester Road and Des Voeux Road Central. Police appeal to all participants not to deviate from the approved route and remind them to disperse after the procession. Should the protestors neglect Police’s instruction, necessary action will be taken. 
      
     A group of violent protestors also vandalised shops and a bank in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai area, Police warn them not to do any illegal acts posing threat to public order and endangering public safety. 
      
     Drivers are reminded to stay tuned to the latest traffic arrangements.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (December 8) that due to special circumstances which may possibly happen nearby, Hong Kong Park Sports Centre, Hong Kong Squash Centre, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre in Central and Western District were closed at 4pm; Hong Kong City Hall in the same district will be closed at 5pm; Sheung Wan Civic Centre will be closed at 6pm to ensure the safety of venue users and staff.

     Subject to the situation, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/index.html) or contact 1823 in advance.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:
 
Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     Police mounted an operation this morning (December 8) and arrested eight men and three women for "Possession of Firearm without Licence", “Possession of Dangerous Goods”, “Possession of Prohibited Weapons” and "Unlawful Assembly", etc. A large amount of weapons, including one firearm and over a hundred bullets were seized.  Intelligence suggested that the gang planned to use the weapons during the public procession today and to frame Police.
      
     Police appeal to all participants to protest in a peaceful manner and mind their personal safety. If any suspicious item is found, please leave the scene and stay in safe places, inform the marshals at scene or call the Police immediately.
      
     In the interest of public safety, Police remind the organiser to keep close contact with Police so that timely arrangement can be made if necessary.