HK police vow to restore order as protesters continue violent acts

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) police strongly condemned violent protests which broke out in multiple districts of Kowloon on Sunday, saying the rioters vandalized public facilities and threw petrol bombs at several Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations.

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Since around 1:30 p.m., a large group of protesters blocked carriageways in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui and used miscellaneous objects to obstruct roads despite the police's objection, thereby seriously affecting the flow of traffic, the police said in a statement.

Furthermore, some rioters even vandalized shops, restaurants and banks, and set fires.

Besides hurling a large number of petrol bombs at Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, the rioters created road blocks by setting fires, seriously threatening the safety of ordinary residents.

A man uses a hammer to destroy a CCTV camera during an illegal assembly in Hong Kong, China, October 20, 2019. /Reuters Photo

With respect to the accidental spraying of colored water on the entrance and front gate of Kowloon Mosque, the police immediately contacted the persons in charge to clarify the situation and show their concern.

"Police respect religious freedom and will strive to protect all places of worship," read the statement.

"No violent behavior will be tolerated," reiterated the police, vowing to take resolute action to restore public order and bring all lawbreakers to justice.

In addition, Hong Kong police held the daily press conference on Monday afternoon which condemned the protesters' violent acts over the weekend.

"Yesterday, there has 10 arson cases conducted by violent protesters in Hong Kong, from October 1, the arson cases has reached to 80 in total", police said.

Violent protesters threw more than 100 petrol bombs on Sunday, targeted civilians, police as well as public properties, police added.

Beyond that, Hong Kong police confirmed that from October 18 to October 20, a total of 68 people arrested due to their acts include attack people and possession of offensive weapons etc.

(Cover: Protesters hold umbrella and makeshift shields as they face police during a protest, Hong Kong, China, October 20, 2019. / Reuters Photo)

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