Three teenage protesters removed from parents

Magistrate Joseph To questioned why the teens had to watch the documentary out on the streets, when there were plenty of videos online. File photo: RTHK

The Juvenile Court at the Kowloon City Magistracy has issued orders to remove three teenage protesters from their family and confined to a juvenile centre after being arrested on Thursday night following a documentary screening session in Sham Shui Po.



The two girls and one boy were among 18 people who were arrested for allegedly surrounding the Sham Shui Po police station after the screening session, throwing bricks into the station and shining laser pointers at the building.



The three under aged detainees, aged between 13 and 15, denied any wrongdoing and claimed they were simply arrested as they were on their way home.



But magistrate Joseph To expressed doubt, and questioned why they had to watch the documentary out on the streets, when there were plenty of videos available online. He added that “there must be a reason” why they had been arrested by police.



To also questioned why one of the teenagers had protective gear, such as masks and bandage with her. The female protester claimed she carried the items with her all the time now, as she didn’t know when tear gas may be fired by the police.



The magistrate pointed out that since the trio were clearly unable to take care of themselves and their parents had failed to keep them in check, there was a need to issue protection orders to keep them safe.



The case has been adjourned to September 27, and the three will be held at the Tuen Mun juvenile home till then.