Organisers say 476,000 joined pro-govt rally

Organisers say 476,000 joined pro-govt rally

The crowd held banners showing their support for Beijing and the police while patriotic slogans. Photo: RTHK

Organisers of a pro-government rally in Tamar Park on Saturday said 476,000 people have attended their event held to voice support for the Carrie Lam administration and the police.



Thousands had turned up despite the inclement weather to join the demonstration organised by he Safeguard Hong Kong Alliance.



The participants demanded an end to violence and the restoration of order in the SAR.



They chanted slogans like ‘No violence!’ ‘Support Police!’ and sang the national anthem to kick off the rally at 5pm. Some of them also chanted slogans "We are Chinese" and "Hong Kong belongs to China forever".



Organisers said their rally is a non-violent, rational rally filled with positive energy. They also said the protesters have disrupted social order and the rule of law and destroying Hong Kong.



They urged rally participants not to be swayed by the "rioters", and ask police for help if they see anything untoward happening.



One protester, Sandy Yuen, said she had joined to show her support to the police after seeing violent actions of anti-extradition bill protesters.



Yuen rejected claims that police was using excessive force.



"I don't think so. Because if there is no illegal activity or violent actions, police won't take such actions," she said.