5th September 2026 – (Hong Kong) Police said they observed individuals gathering outside MTR Prince Edward Station on the evening of 31st August, holding bouquets and shouting slogans deemed seditious. According to the force, the conduct allegedly involved spreading falsehoods to attack the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and smear the Police, with the purported aim of inciting hatred against the authorities and law enforcement. The station name and location details accord with the operator’s usage and public records.
The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force undertook enforcement on 3rd September across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, arresting three local residents—two men and one woman—aged between 33 and 79. Sources indicate that the woman taken into custody is former District Councillor Virginia Fung King-man. Before the operation, officers secured court warrants, searched the homes of those arrested and seized exhibits for examination. All three remain in custody for further enquiries, and police indicated that arrest operations are ongoing. The unit’s official title and remit are set out in government and police publications.
Authorities reiterated their position that narratives surrounding the so‑called “831 incident” are unfounded and have been used by individuals with ulterior motives to malign the HKSAR Government and the Police. They said the acts under investigation may contravene the offence of “doing an act with a seditious intention” under Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, a serious crime carrying a maximum first‑conviction sentence of seven years’ imprisonment. The statutory framework and offence elements are detailed in the ordinance and legal guidance.
Police said they will continue to enforce the law to prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security, urging the public to comply with relevant legislation and to avoid conduct that may constitute seditious intention under the ordinance.
