Page:Public Order Ordinance 1967 (Cap. 245).pdf/11

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 * (d) a public officer;
 * (e) a member of Her Majesty’s forces; or
 * (f) member or officer of the Royal Hong Kong Defence Force when the Force has been called out under subsection (1) of section 16 of the Royal Hong Kong Defence Force Ordinance or the unit or part of the Force to which such member or officer belongs, or such member or officer, has been called out under subsection (1) of section 17 of the Royal Hong Kong Defence Force Ordinance.

(3) Where any person is convicted of an offence under subsection (1), the court may make an order for the forfeiture of any offensive weapon in respect of which the offence was committed.

15. (1) The Commissioner of Police may, if it appears to him to be necessary or expedient in the interests of public order so to do, prohibit the holding or continuance of a public gathering in any area, premises or place or on any particular day.

(2) Notice of a prohibition under subsection (1) shall be given—
 * (a) either orally or in writing, to the person or to one of the persons (if more than one) promoting, directing, organizing or managing the public gathering; or
 * (b) by publication, either orally or in writing, in such manner, or by posting a notice thereof in such place, as the Commissioner of Police may think fit.

(3) Any person who takes part in the promotion, direction, organization or management of a public gathering which is held or continued in contravention of a prohibition under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars and to imprisonment for three years.

(4) Any police officer may give or issue such orders and use such force as may be necessary to prevent the holding or continuance of a public gathering the holding or continuance of which has been prohibited under subsection (1) and to disperse any gathering of persons thereat.

(5) Any person who neglects or refuses to obey any order given or issued under subsection (4) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of five thousand dollars and to imprisonment for twelve months.

16. (1) The Governor in Council may, if he is satisfied that, in any part thereof, it is necessary for the prevention of serious by reason of particular circumstances existing in Hong Kong or public disorder to prohibit the holding of public gatherings in