The police say riot police will begin returning to regular law enforcement duties, such as crime prevention and traffic control, because "violent" anti-government protests are on the decrease, RTHK reports. The announcement comes a day after plans for a 25 percent increase in funding for the force were revealed in the budget. But the post adds that the protests have died down, and it will therefore re-deploy manpower and get riot officers back to regular law-enforcement duties "in a proportional and flexible manner". Democratic Party lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting said on Thursday that the police are getting the money to help them crush dissent. He said the force must continue to be vigilant, in case there is further unrest in the city.

Source: The Standard February 27, 2020 10:27 UTC