Police strongly condemn some radical protesters for blocking traffic in Mong Kok and intentionally charging police cordon lines violently, putting public safety and order at risk.
Speaking at a press conference, Police Public Relations Branch Chief Superintendent Steve Hui said some radical protesters had called for more people to block roads in Mong Kok after Police reopened some roads yesterday morning.
They chanted slogans, repeatedly charged Police cordons, snatched mills barriers, and even threw the mills barriers at the Police cordon to stop the Police from advancing.
Mr Hui stressed that these radical protesters’ actions were far from peaceful and non-violent, and strongly condemned such acts.
Earlier today about 100 protesters also illegally gathered on Lung Wo Road and blocked its eastbound traffic. A 21-year-old man threw a plastic bottle at a police officer and was arrested.
Police arrested 33 people yesterday, including 30 men and three women, aged 20 to 66, for offences including common assault, criminal damage, disorderly conduct in a public place, resisting arrest, obstructing Police in executing their duty and possessing offensive weapons.
Speaking on an incident in which a reporter was hurt by pepper spray in Mong Kok, Mr Hui reiterated that the Police fully respect the freedom of press, and officers will try their best to protect public safety. However, as the situation is fluid at the frontline, he urged reporters to pay attention to their personal safety, especially when reporting from places between the Police cordon line and radical protesters.
