The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday responded with "severe condemnation" after a large number of protesters paralyzed airport operations, since Tuesday afternoon, causing "serious disruption" to both inbound and outbound travelers. The protest became even worse later that night after some radicals besieged and assaulted people.

A reporter from the Chinese mainland media outlet Global Times was bound with zip ties and assaulted by some violent protesters, according to a statement issued by the Hong Kong Police Department. During interviews with other media outlets, the protesters claimed that they attacked the man after they found a T-shirt saying "I love Hong Kong police," in his bag.

"Our reporter Guohao (Fu Guohao) is now safe," chief editor of Global Times Hu Xijin confirmed on Weibo. The senior journalist urged the violent protesters to keep their hands off reporters and maintain their civility and self-respect.

Two police officers were injured when protesters attacked them for trying to rescue the victims. 

According to a statement released by the Hong Kong Police Department on Wednesday, five people were arrested after the incident on multiple charges including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons, assaulting police officers and breach of peace. 

Those acts "are outrageous and have overstepped the bottom line of a civilized society," spokesperson for the Hong Kong SAR government said. "The police will take relentless enforcement action to bring the persons involved to justice."

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Forty Hong Kong legislators slammed the recent violent acts by some radical protesters, including throwing of petrol bombs at police officers and disturbing airport operations.

The legislators on Tuesday released a joint statement saying the illegal and irresponsible acts by some radical protesters are the main reason for social instability. "Hong Kong is now reaching a crucial time, only by supporting police to enforce the law could bring Hong Kong residents' peaceful life back."

They also called on protesters not to do things that could harm the Hong Kong society and economy, or anything that affects other citizens or travelers.

The Small and Medium Law Firms Association of Hong Kong also issued a statement, pledging their full support for police to abide by the law.

(Cover: Tourists are stranded due to chaos caused by protesters at the Hong Kong International Airport, August 12, 2019. /Xinhua Photo)