On Oct. 29, two Chinese tourists from Wenzhou, Zhejiang province were arrested by patrolling police officers from the New South Wales Police Force after being caught urinating in Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden.

Sydney Today, a Chinese media outlet based in Australia, confirmed the incident with New South Wales police. The police observed two men, aged 66 and 41, urinating against trees in full view of the public. They tried to escape as the police approached them, prompting the police to knock them to the ground.

The older man’s leg and shoulder were injured during the encounter. He was later sent to St. Vincent's Hospital for treatment. He was also issued a court attendance notice due to the public urination charge that led to his arrest. The court date is Dec. 12 at Downing Center Local Court. The 41-year-old was issued a Criminal Infringement Notice requiring him to pay AU$200.

The travel agent who arranged the two men’s trip to Australia stated that they have now returned to China, and the Wenzhou Tourism Bureau is in the process of dealing with this incident. Previous reports said that the older man had a condition that caused him to urinate very frequently, but that information has not been confirmed, Beijing News reported.

The Royal Botanic Garden is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and one of the most important botanical institutions worldwide. Adjacent to Circular Quay, the location of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney's central business district, the garden is free of charge and open to visitors year round. Police officers regularly patrol the grounds to maintain order and security. 

[File photo: the Royal Botanic Garden]