Heavy police presence expected on July 1, as sources warn of arrest over seditious activities

The police force is planning to deploy more than 4,000 officers across Hong Kong on Monday for the 27th anniversary of the city’s handover, with sources warning that anyone seen bearing seditious items on the occasion could face arrest.

According to reports, police deployment this year would be similar to last year. The report also noted that anyone seen wearing seditious clothing in public and drawing attention could face arrest.

The report quoted a police insider saying that “anyone wearing such attire in public will be monitored or stopped and searched, with officers immediately notifying the command center at police headquarters.”

He warned that such behavior could violate the city’s new homegrown security law, constituting the offense of engaging in seditious acts - punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Anyone disrespecting the national anthem could also be arrested, the insider added.

It is understood that since the enactment of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance earlier this year, frontline officers at various control points have been instructed to take action on seditious clothing and received relevant training.