Situation Tense As Government Condemns Disruption

The Government on Friday criticised anti-extradition bill protesters for causing widespread disruption and putting people's lives at risk, as a tense situation appeared to be developing outside police headquarters on Arsenal Street in Wan Chai.

Hundreds of protesters had gathered in nearby streets while some had placed themselves at the gate of the complex, dressed in hard hats and carrying cardboard shields. Police, though, remained inside the building and did not confront the protesters.

"They sometimes shout slogans accusing the police of brutality and sometimes hurl verbal abuse towards officers. The atmosphere is at times tense out here," said RTHK's Damon Pang, who was at the scene.

In a statement, the government said it respected the public's right to assembly. But it said the protests had caused inconvenience by disrupting traffic and many public services. It said since the police headquarters on Arsenal Street has been surrounded, dozens of 999 emergency calls haven't be dealt with immediately. It also appealed to the protesters to act peacefully.

The government said more than 100 bus and minibus routes had been diverted or suspended.

The Central Government Offices were closed on Friday. There was also disruption to public services at Wanchai Tower, Revenue Tower and Immigration Tower – including services by the Labour Department, Inland Revenue Department, Environmental Protection Department and Water Supplies Department.

With regard to the now-suspended extradition bill, the government repeated its stance that it had put a stop to the legislative exercise. It also said the bill would lapse when the current term of the Legislative Council ends in July next year. It said the government accepts this reality.

The protesters took action on Friday after the government failed to meet their demands by a deadline of 5 pm on Thursday. They want the extradition bill to be completely withdrawn, an investigation into the behaviour of the police during the June 12 protest, the government's designation of that protest as a "riot" to be cancelled, and the release without charge of those arrested during the protest.