Police welcome and respect the decision by an appeal board to uphold the ban of a mass rally planned for Saturday in light of possible violence.

The decision, made by the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions on Friday, agreed with the police, which on Thursday banned the planned rally for safety considerations.

The decision is in the interest of public safety and public order, as well as the protection of the rights and freedom of others, said the police's Regional Commander of Hong Kong Island, Kwok Pak-chung, on Friday afternoon at the police's daily press briefing.

The police respect people's right to assembly and freedom of expression, and are also duty-bound to preserve public peace, and protect life and property, Kwok said.

The police have noted online calls asking people to go out on Saturday in different locations such as Causeway Bay or Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island for a so-called gathering or shopping trip, Kwok said.

No matter what excuses people may use, the police will enforce the law impartially, and the police appeal to all members of the public to refrain from taking part in any unauthorized assemblies, Kwok said.

The police have sufficient manpower, equipment and logistics ready for any incidents, Kwok said.

To those who try to stir up trouble or use violence again on the street: it is totally illegal and unacceptable, and police will take action on the ground, Kwok said.

Earlier on Friday, police arrested a number of leading separatists including Joshua Wong Chi-fung, Andy Chan Ho-tin, and Agnes Chow Ting.

Chief superintendent of the Police Public Relations Branch Tse Chun-chung at the same press briefing said police made the arrests having gathered sufficient evidence to prove the arrestees' offenses.

Tse stressed that the police are politically neutral and will not consider one's background or political stance when making arrests.

Tse reminded the public not to lose sight of the crux of the issue, that is, the police will bring lawbreakers to justice.