Jonathan Cheng, Andrea Chiuand AFP
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Police and security officials declared themselves ready and waiting as they barricaded Wan Chai in preparation for Tuesday’s start of the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference.
With residents and businesses in a state of alarm over fears of violent protest, windows have been boarded up, wire mesh hung across pedestrian walkways and police have stepped up patrols.
Rubbish bins have been removed and double yellow lines painted on surrounding streets to prevent motorists from parking. Loose paving stones have also been replaced and manhole covers welded shut to prevent protesters using them as missiles.
Security chief Ambrose Lee inspected the lockdown zone around the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Friday with police chief Dick Lee, and met with some frontline officers conducting searches at checkpoints.
Lee, who also inspected two nearby areas reserved for protesters, said he is pleased by the arrangements. “I have every confidence that the police and relevant departments are capable of handling whatever happens, both inside and outside the conference venue,” he said.
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