HK government condemns violent acts in Mong Kok

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong government has condemned the violent acts and vandalism by radical protesters in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei on Friday evening.

Some radical protesters had been assembling in the vicinity of Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei since Friday afternoon. They attacked the police station, extensively vandalized public property and MTR stations, and set fires at various places.

The police used appropriate force to disperse radical protesters at around 10 pm.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the government said these acts were outrageous and the offenders had totally disregarded law and order.

The government said that the violent protesters had breached the public peace and their acts seriously affected public services, disregarding the needs and rights of other members of the public.

"It is extremely dangerous to set fires in busy areas, jeopardizing people's safety," the government said in the statement.

The police will take resolute enforcement actions to protect the safety and rights of the members of the public, the statement read.