In response to the protests today (June 21), a Government spokesman said:

     The Government respects the public's rights to procession and assembly.

     The protests today caused much inconvenience to the community by disrupting traffic and many public services. Since the Police Headquarters and Wan Chai Police Station at Arsenal Street have been surrounded by protesters who also blocked nearby roads, dozens of 999 emergency calls could not be dealt with immediately. More than 100 bus and minibus routes were diverted or suspended.

     The Central Government Offices were closed, and public services provided by Government departments at Wanchai Tower, Revenue Tower and Immigration Tower – including services by the Labour Department, Inland Revenue Department, Environmental Protection Department and Water Supplies Department – were disrupted to varying degrees.

     The spokesman appeals to protesters to act peacefully and rationally, and to take into account the needs of other members of the public when expressing their opinions.

     Regarding remarks in the media today by Legislative Council members about the legislative amendments, the spokesman said the Government had put a stop to the legislative exercise relating to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance. The current term of the Legislative Council will end in July next year, after which the Bill will lapse. The Government accepts this reality.

Ends/Friday, June 21, 2019
Issued at HKT 21:30

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