Government condemns violence and vandalism on Christmas Eve

     The Government today (December 25) severely condemned the masked rioters for taking part in unauthorised assemblies in various districts throughout the territory on Christmas Eve, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Yuen Long.

     A Government spokesman said rioters damaged traffic lights, set up barricades with umbrellas, blocked roads, vandalised shops in malls, set fires and even attacked police officers. These acts seriously disrupted social order, affected the festive mood and obstructed other people from enjoying the festive season, which are outrageous.

     In Tsim Sha Tsui, there was waving of Hong Kong independence flags. The spokesman said that advocating Hong Kong independence is inconsistent with the constitutional and legal status of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as stipulated in the Basic Law and is not conducive to the overall and long-term interest of Hong Kong society. It is also contrary to the established basic policies of the People's Republic of China regarding Hong Kong.

     The spokesman added that in face of rioters' behaviour, the Police must enforce the law strictly and resolutely, and arrest those who break the law in order to protect the safety of the general public.