Hong Kong police Tuesday urged the public to stay rational and not to take part in any illegal assemblies as 179 police officers have been injured in the city's protests which began in June.
"The police would like to see residents voice their opinions in a peaceful manner," said Tse Chun-chung, chief superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Public Relations Branch at Tuesday's media briefing.
The police have sent out "letters of no objection" to 95 percent of the public assemblies that took place between June and July, said Tse.
As much as 84 percent of the public assemblies related to the fugitive bill were granted with police's "letters of no objection."
Tse said the police have clear procedures and criteria to approve assembly in view of public order and safety and warned that they would not tolerate any form of violence in the surge of recent public demonstrations.
"Recent protests have damaged the Hong Kong society, merchants and the people's livelihood. We respect residents' right to voice concerns, but while exercising your right and freedom, you shall also consider the rights of others," he stressed.
Condeming the recent violent acts by radical protesters, Tse said 179 police officers have been injured in protests since June.
"I would like to send a strong message to you all, the Hong Kong police do not tolerate any acts of violence, regardless of one's background," Tse said. "We strongly condemn all violent acts, and we pledge that we will bring to justice anyone who breaks the law."
According to the police, a 23-year-old woman allegedly involved in the brutal attack on a reporter from Chinese mainland at Hong Kong International Airport last Tuesday night was arrested yesterday on charges of unlawful detention, unlawful attack, and assaulting.
HKSAR's chief executive Carrie Lam on Tuesday promised to complete the investigation and deliver a report in six months over weeks of protests and violence in the city.
