Business Bosses, Law Society Condemn Violence

Business chambers and Law Society were among the organisations that condemned the violent events that took place in Legco on Monday.

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce said in a statement said it condemns the "damage caused by a small number of extreme protesters" on 1 July.

“People have the right to express their views, but violence should not under any circumstances be condoned. We have to respect and uphold the rule of law,” said the chamber's chairman Aron Harilela.

President of the American Chamber of Commerce, Tara Joseph, said while the chamber supports people's freedom to express their views, they condemn any use of violence.

She said the business sector is not too troubled by the ongoing protests, saying she's confident Hong Kong is able to weather the storm just like it did during the 2014 umbrella movement.

In its statement, the Law Society said while rights to freedom of speech, assembly, procession and demonstration is guaranteed by the Basic Law, the acts of those who broke into the Legco should be deplored.

It also urged the police the police to take appropriate action against them to uphold the law and order.