The Public Security Police Force has confirmed the existence of a poster that has been circulating on social media since Wednesday morning, calling on the public to participate in a stand still protest starting 8 p.m. next Monday in Senado Square.
The silent protest will be conducted to demonstrate opposition towards the conduct of Hong Kong police in the ongoing demonstrations in the neighbouring SAR.
The Hong Kong police have been criticised over their failure to stop attacks on protesters as they have been firing tear gas as the demonstration continues in the neighbouring SAR’s subway stations.
The poster described that the August 19 activity is “legitimate, rational and peaceful,” and there were no “blue or yellow political opinions” in the protest.
As organisers have yet to be identified, the New Macau Association (NMA) has issued a statement to clarify that the gathering is neither organised by the association nor by the democrat legislator Sulu Sou.
The association noted in its statement that local residents have the right to legally express their claims through gatherings and demonstrations, yet the police authorities should be notified in advance.
However, several netizens on social media were also quick to criticise the protest, noting that such move would bring nothing good to the SAR.
“It is not recommended to participate in the event. […] The historical background of Macau and Hong Kong is different,” one person wrote on social media.
“I strongly oppose this and [I’ll] never participate,” said another.
According to Article 5 of Law No. 2/93/M on the rights to demonstrate, persons or entities intending to hold a meeting or demonstration in a public place or a place open to the public are required to notify the Public Security Police Force within 3 to 14 working days prior to the event.
If the protest is political or labor-related, the notification period is reduced to two working days.
Meanwhile, the law also clearly stipulates that it is a criminal offence to interfere with legal assembly and procession.
Article 10 of the law stipulates that the police authorities shall take the necessary measures to prevent the assembly or demonstration from being interfered with by counter-demonstrations that may hinder the participants from exercising their rights freely.
