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The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, has condemned the violence exerted by anti-World Trade Organization (WTO) protesters on Hong Kong streets today (December 17), and vowed that Police would take robust action to restore law and order.
Mr Lee appealed to citizens to avoid the Wan Chai area for the time being, and called on people to contact any family members in the district and ask them to leave immediately.
"This afternoon, the WTO demonstrators have shown their true colours by resorting to violence, breaking our law and order and disobeying the instructions of our Police officers. I condemn such illegal behaviour and I think the Hong Kong community will join me in condemning such irresponsible behaviour," Mr Lee said.
He said that the tolerant attitude Police have adopted towards demonstrators during the conference so far should not be seen as a weak gesture.
"I can assure the Hong Kong community that our Police have the capability and determination to maintain good law and order. Police will take robust action to dispel these kinds of illegal and violent acts.
"I wish to appeal to Hong Kong citizens that they should not, for the time being, go to Wan Chai. If you have relatives or children in Wan Chai, please ask them to leave immediately because Police will take robust action to restore Hong Kong's law and order and stability," he said.
Ends/Saturday, December 17, 2005
Issued at HKT 20:30
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