(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said public activity organisers have the responsibility to ensure the activities they manage proceed in an lawful manner.

Mr Lee made the remarks ahead of this morning’s Executive Council meeting and explained why rally requests should be carefully scrutinised.

“Regarding organising public activities, I think we should be careful when the organiser wants to organise such activities. And they should think of their responsibilities of ensuring that such activities will be carried out in a lawful manner. That means, it will not contravene national security, public security, or public order, but it will respect the rights and freedoms of others.

“So the organiser has that responsibility.”