Hong Kong police ready to aid enforce injunction: official

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's Acting Chief Executive Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Tuesday that police are prepared to help enforce the injunction in protest areas, abide by the High Court instructions.

Lam said the law enforcement personnel will not rule out possible arrests when necessary.

The official said the High Court had decided to continue the injunction orders with regard to occupied areas in commercial districts of Admiralty and Mong Kok on Monday.

She said an injunction is an order made by the court which should be fully respected and strictly followed by all.

"The court has already authorized the bailiff to request police assistance where necessary and has authorized the police to arrest and remove anyone obstructing or interfering with any bailiff in enforcing the terms of the injunction orders," said Lam.

"With a view to protect the due administration of justice and upholding the rule of law, the police will give full assistance, including making arrest where necessary to enforce the injunction orders in such ways as the court instructs," said the official.

"I strongly urge protesters who are still staying in the occupied areas, whether the areas are covered by the injunctions or not, they should voluntarily and peacefully leave the areas as soon as possible so that the roads as well as the building entrances could be reopened," Lam said.

She said all agree that the rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success, the foundation of its democracy and an important core value of Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government is committed to safeguarding the rule of law, and members of public have always respected court decisions, said the official.