HKMAO affirms strong support for HK police

The central government has affirmed its strong support for the Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor-led government and the police force in their efforts to restore law and order in the city shocked by frequent violent protests in the past several weeks.

At a press briefing in Beijing, Yang Guang, spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the country's top Hong Kong affairs authority, said the Hong Kong police has to carry a heavy burden while being unfairly humiliated in defending the rule of law in these testing times.

"We understand the huge pressure facing the Hong Kong police and their families, and would like to salute the Hong Kong police who have been fearlessly sticking to their posts and fulfilling their duties against all odds," Yang said.

In retaliation against the police, protesters have leaked information of police officers and their family members online. After initial investigation, the police have arrested eight people on suspicion of releasing officers' personal information online in early July.

Yang also showed support to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the city's judiciary for prosecuting and convicting violent criminals in accordance with the law to restore social order while ensuring the safety of citizens' lives and properties.

He reiterated the central government's stand against violence, saying that "violence is violence, and unlawful acts are unlawful irrespective of the cause claimed".

In Hong Kong, Starry Lee Wai-king, chairperson of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said the HKMAO's comments showed the central government fully understands the current situation in Hong Kong.

The central government recognizes the tremendous pressure and unfair criticism faced by police and their families, she said. They should not be subject to such treatment as they were fulfilling their duties to maintain law and order, she added.

Separately, more than 50 members of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, the largest labor group in the city, gathered at police headquarters in Wan Chai to show their support for the police in enforcing the law and maintaining social order.

Tang ka-piu, an HKFTU member, condemned the violence of the radical protesters and expressed his gratitude to the police officers for their dedication and professionalism.

In his internal message to the force, the Commissioner of Police Stephen Lo Wai-chung said he is proud of the professionalism and courage displayed by police officers in successfully restoring public order in the violent clashes with protesters last weekend with minimal casualty.

On Sunday, a large group of radical protesters attacked police officers with lethal weapons during protests in Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan. At least 49 people were arrested for offenses including unauthorized assembly, assaulting police officers on duty and possession of offensive weapons.

Lo urged all police officers to stay united in these stressful times and remain committed to their sworn duties in safeguarding the rule of law in Hong Kong.