Hong Kong police condemn violent acts on Lunar New Year's day

HONG KONG -- Hong Kong police condemned violent acts of rioters who blocked roads and assaulted police officers in Mong Kok on Saturday, the first day of the Lunar New Year.
As rioters threatened public security, the police had no choice but adopted the minimum force necessary to stop them, the police said in a statement in the small hours on Sunday.
Masked rioters gathered in Mong Kok and built up blockages with debris in areas surrounding Portland Street and the intersection of Nathan Road and Shantung Street on Saturday night, disrupting traffic. Some even attacked a police vehicle when officers were about to leave after law enforcement, said the statement.
The police always respect the right and freedom of residents to express opinions in a peaceful manner, the statement said, stressing that the police have to step in when illegal and violent incidents occur.
- Fudan University unveils archaeology project to explore Silk Road heritage
- Chinese vice-premier urges all-out efforts to tackle Chikungunya fever outbreak
- China's ocean economy buckles pressure and posts 5.8% rise in marine GDP
- China's Qin Haiyang wins men's 200m breaststroke gold at World Aquatics Championships
- Across China: 80 years on, US youth carry the Flying Tigers' torch
- Shanghai's intl business zone offers visa-free entry to invited individuals