Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam accuses anti-extradition bill protesters of ‘organising a riot’
- In video released by government news service on Wednesday evening, Lam said demonstrators ‘used arson, sharpened iron bars and bricks’ to attack police
- In tearful interview earlier, chief executive said her love for Hong Kong had led her to make personal sacrifices
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor took aim on Wednesday at protesters against the extradition bill, reprimanding them for “organising a riot”.
Hours before the protest descended into bitter clashes with police, a tearful Lam had also said she would not respond to calls to resign or withdraw the bill and that she had a clear conscience pushing it through.
In a video released by the government news service on Wednesday evening, Lam slammed those who took part in the street protest around government headquarters and the legislature since the morning.
“Clearly, this was no longer a peaceful assembly, but a blatantly organised instigation of a riot. This could not be an act that shows love for Hong Kong,” she said. “Since this afternoon, some people have resorted to dangerous, or even potentially fatal, acts. These include arson, using sharpened iron bars and hurling bricks to attack police officers, as well as destroying public facilities.”
She said such acts posed a serious threat to the safety of ordinary residents, young people who were planning to air their views peacefully, journalists, police officers and civil servants.