Government condemns vandalism by rioters

     A Government spokesman today (March 1) condemned rioters' acts of vandalism in Mong Kok last night (February 29) which breached public peace and seriously jeopardised the safety of members of the public.

     Rioters began to gather around Nathan Road and Prince Edward Road West yesterday evening, blocking roads, setting fires, vandalising public facilities, hurling petrol bombs and attacking police officers with bricks and hard objects. Several police officers were injured as a result.

     The Police used minimum necessary force to conduct dispersal and arrest operations, and will seriously follow up on these acts which totally disregard law and order. The Police vow to bring rioters to justice.

     In addition, South Kwai Chung Jockey Club General Outpatient Clinic in Kwai Shing Circuit, Kwai Chung was attacked with petrol bombs early this morning. The spokesman strongly condemned the malicious behavior of damaging medical facilities, which caused innocent patients to suffer.

     The spokesman said that Hong Kong experienced a series of violent demonstrations last year, hitting hard the economy and people's livelihood. Coupled with the COVID-19 epidemic, Hong Kong is facing unprecedented challenges to the economy and well-being of the entire community.

     To cope with the current difficulties, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has quickly set up a $30 billion Anti-epidemic Fund and announced $120 billion worth of counter-cyclical measures in the newly released Budget Speech to stimulate economic development and relieve people's hardship.

     The spokesman said, "At this difficult juncture, a small number of radicals still conducted violent acts of vandalism which disregard law and order. Their behaviour is outrageous. We strongly believe that Hong Kong people will stay united and fight against the disease together, help the Hong Kong community to withstand the current difficulties and gear up for a brighter tomorrow."