(AFP-Yonhap)
HONG KONG — Police have appealed to Hong Kong residents to stay away from any non-authorized rallies on Saturday after authorities banned a major march, warning that those caught could face a five-year jail term.
The police commander of Hong Kong island, Kwok Pak Chung, said Friday that he was aware of social media messages urging people to take strolls or hold rallies in the name of religion.
The organizers of the march called it off after an appeals board upheld police objections to it.
Kwok said police would act sternly against anyone out to create trouble or incite violence. He said police have sufficient manpower and equipment for any untoward incident.
He urged the public to “make a clear break with all acts of violence and stay away from locations where violent clashes may take place.” /kga