THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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HK govt regrets protesters' targeting police

HK govt regrets protesters' targeting police

HONG KONG – A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government expressed regret over a public meeting Sunday by an organization that targeted police in its slogan

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Citing a major drop in city’s crime rate and favorable public opinion on police service, the spokesperson pointed out in a statement that protesters repeatedly charged police cordon lines, attacked police officers with offensive weapons and threw bricks and petrol bombs after processions and meetings in the last two months.

Police stations were attacked or besieged for over 75 times. But police had been handling the illegal acts with tolerance, added the spokesperson. 

“Only when they were violently attacked and left with no choice did the police use minimum force to disperse protesters in order to restore social order,” reads the statement. 

So far, about 180 police officers had been attacked by violent protesters and got injured.

 

“Police officers have been under tremendous work pressure and have always carried out their duties for long hours. Their family members are also under different degrees of intimidation and bullying. Their living quarters were severely vandalized and women and children residing there were frightened and disturbed.”

“During this difficult time, police officers are still discharging their duties fearlessly and with dedication to maintain law and order,” adds the statement.

 

The spokesperson reiterated that the HKSAR government fully supports police in strictly enforcing the law and deeply appreciates police officers' efforts in restoring public order and peace, protecting the lives and properties of members of the public and bringing violent protesters who have violated the law to justice.

The government highly respected the public's right of peaceful assembly and freedom of speech, added the spokesperson.

He appealed to those participating in public meetings and processions to express their views in a peaceful and rational manner and say "no" to violence so that Hong Kong can resume order as soon as possible, return to rationality and regain momentum.

 

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