Developing | Shots fired and bricks thrown: Hong Kong tense after Mong Kok mob violence on first day of Lunar New Year
Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying condemns rioters who went on a rampage in Mong Kok and says perpetrators will be brought to justice
Hong Kong was in shock yesterday and remained on edge after overnight rioting on Monday in the streets of Mong Kok prompted police to fire shots in the air, left scores injured, and led to the arrests of 61 people.
Hundreds of people were involved in the anarchy that turned parts of Nathan Road, Shandong Street, Argyle Street and Nelson Street, into burning war zones as rampaging protesters fought pitched battles with outnumbered police and damaged public property on a scale of “organised” violence not seen even during the height of the 2014 Occupy Central campaign.
The rioting, which started after protesters objected to the eviction of food hawkers on the first day of the Lunar New Year, “cannot be justified by any remarks expressing toleration”, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said yesterday.
READ MORE: 54 nabbed for Mong Kok riot, says Hong Kong police chief, with more arrests to come
“I believe the public can see for themselves from TV news reports the seriousness of the situation,” he said. “The SAR Government strongly condemns such violent acts; the police will apprehend the mobs and bring them to justice.”
Those arrested face serious charges, such as participating in a riot, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, police said.
Four journalists were allegedly attacked – three by protesters and one by police officers – in targeted violence strongly condemned by media companies and unions.
