Security Chief Warns of Risks at Rallies

Previous May 1 rallies bring attention to domestic helper rights

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung warns there are elements that may hijack an upcoming rally on May 1 to mark Labour Day, hinting perhaps such a march should not be held for safety reasons.

Two core members of the now defunct Confederation of Trade Unions have met the police regarding their application to hold a rally on May 1.

The security chief said downplaying the safety risks of a public rally was an "irresponsible" act. 

Tang suggested others may hijack rallies

"These safety risks exist. Anyone intending to downplay the risks brought by these activities, saying, 'It's fine, please come, it's safe', that's irresponsible behaviour," Tang said.

The prove his point, he said a public rally on women's rights that was originally set for March 5 was cancelled "responsibly" by the organiser after someone planned to hijack the activity. He gave no evidence to support this claim.

He also claimed the 2019 protests were taken over by others who had a different agenda without revealing further information.

"All people organising these public activities hold a responsibility... to ensure the events are held in a safe and orderly manner," Tang said.

Previously he has said the lanyards marchers must wear are no different than the race bibs marathoners pin on their T-shirts.

To and Wong applying to hold rally on May 1

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Joe Wong Nai-yuen, former chairman of the now-defunct Confederation of Trade Unions, and ex-committee member Denny To Chun-ho, gave an update on the progress of their application to hold a rally on May 1.

They met with police on Friday after applying to hold the event in their personal capacity.

"We sincerely hope that authorities will not exaggerate the risks of a rally being hijacked by others," they wrote.

The pair said they were just ordinary citizens concerned about labour rights and did not have the money to hire marshals to maintain order for the event. The most they could do, they said, was to verbally ask participants to obey the law.

"We believe police are certainly capable of ensuring a rally attended by hundreds of people is held smoothly," they added.

So is this rally going to be held or not?

Xia suggested focus on economy, not protests

The hassles, numbered lanyards and fears of being hijacked all make organisers think twice about holding a march. And when the new director of the Hong Kong Macau Affairs Office Xia Baolong suggests protests aren't a good idea, this gives people the shivers.

How much things have changed since four years ago. Holding rallies used to be a right. Now the authorities instil fear they could stir trouble...