In response to the violent protests yesterday (August 11), a Government spokesman said the following:

     Following the illegal protests in Kowloon and the New Territories the day before yesterday, there were unlawful assemblies in various districts yesterday. Violent protesters vandalised public property and blocked roads. They also besieged police stations, aimed laser beams and hurled bricks to attack police officers. Some violent protesters even hurled petrol bombs, injuring a police officer. We are outraged by the violent protesters' behaviours which showed a total disregard of the law, posing a serious threat to the safety of police officers and other members of the public. We severely condemn the acts.

     Owing to the illegal protests yesterday, some public service facilities had to be closed early and emergency services and commercial activities were obstructed. There is no longer any defined period of time or fixed locations for these persistent and large-scale illegal and violent acts, depriving the right of ordinary people to carry on their daily lives. We appeal to all members of the public to say no to violence to help the community to restore order as soon as possible. The police will enforce the law strictly and resolutely to bring illegal protesters to justice.

Ends/Monday, August 12, 2019
Issued at HKT 1:13

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