Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, right, speaks to media after visiting injured police officers at Tai Po Nethersole Hospital in Hong Kong, July 15, 2019. Standing next to the chief executive is Hong Kong Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor on Monday strongly condemned radical protesters a day after violence rocked Sha Tin. She stressed the city will not tolerate any unlawful or violent act. 

I strongly condemn those who resorted to violence and attacked the police to express their objections. Hong Kong will not tolerate any unlawful or violent acts.

Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief executive, HKSAR

The CE's remarks came a day after a peaceful demonstration in one of the Hong Kong’s most-populated districts in its northern New Territories against the now-suspended extradition bill descended into violence. Bloody clashes between police and protesters erupted in a shopping mall, leaving 28 protesters and 10 police officers injured. Of them, two officers partially lost fingers. 

READ MORE: HK govt: Violence will not be tolerated

Meeting the press after visiting injured police officers in hospital, Lam said radical protesters, whom she referred to as “rioters”, recklessly attacked officers and damaged the rule of law in Hong Kong.

Rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and must be respected by all people of Hong Kong, she said. 

“I strongly condemn those who resorted to violence and attacked the police to express their objections. Hong Kong will not tolerate any unlawful or violent acts,” Lam said.

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Lam praised police professionalism and stressed her support for the force. The Hong Kong leader said her administration will continue to support police in enforcing the laws, and to conduct a thorough investigation. 

The CE also called on Hong Kong people to express their views in a lawful manner, and support police in safeguarding the city’s rule of law. 

Lam said Hong Kong Police and the Department of Justice will prosecute those responsible for violence. 

heshusi@chinadailyhk.com