Commissioner of Police Andy Tsang strongly condemned protesters in Mong Kok, for unlawful assembly, charging police cordons, and illegally occupying major thoroughfares earlier this morning and last night.
Speaking to the media today, Mr Tsang said their behaviour was neither peaceful nor non-violent, and seriously undermined public order and public safety.
He said the Police have been extremely tolerant of the demonstrators’ unlawful acts in the past two to three weeks, in the hope that they would calm down and express their views in a peaceful, rational and lawful manner.
He is regretful that the protesters chose to carry on their unlawful acts, and that some became even more radical and violent.
Mr Tsang said these illegal acts are hurting Hong Kong society, and seriously disrupt the daily lives of other people.
These acts also undermine the rule of law, which Hong Kong has always relied upon to succeed, he said.
He asked protesters to consider whether the Police failed to uphold law effectively in the future, who would benefit and who would suffer.
