In response to the protests in Kowloon today (August 24), a Government spokesman said the following:

     Despite that a Letter of No Objection was issued for the public procession in Kowloon East following discussion between the Police and the organiser, some protesters deviated from the approved route during the procession and set up barricades on a number of roads in Kowloon East and in Sham Shui Po, paralysing traffic and affecting the emergency services. The violent protesters also vandalised public property, committed arson, hurled suspected petrol bombs and attacked police officers with bricks, jeopardising the safety of members of the public and police officers.

     A number of smart lampposts were deliberately damaged by protesters. The Government has repeatedly clarified that the smart lampposts do not carry any facial recognition function and would not infringe upon personal privacy. The smart lampposts are introduced to collect city data such as traffic and air quality data to facilitate smart city development through open data and the upcoming 5G technology. However, irrational protesters disregarded the facts and blatantly damaged the smart lampposts.
 
     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government strongly condemns the vandalistic and violent acts of the protesters. The police will strictly follow up on all the illegal acts. The HKSAR Government appeals to the protesters to stop the violence so that order can be restored in society as soon as possible.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     At around 10pm today (August 24), protestors gathered and set up barricades on Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po, paralysing traffic. Some violent protestors had arguments and scuffles with others.

     Having given repeated warnings to the protestors in vain, Police officers will soon conduct a dispersal operation.

     Residents of the area are advised to stay tuned to the latest situation and if necessary, keep their windows shut and stay indoors.

     The report room services of the Sham Shui Po Police Station are temporarily suspended. In case of emergency, please dial 999.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     A large groups of violent protestors continue to block Lung Cheung Road, Wong Tai Sin, aim laser beams at Police officers and hurl bricks at the Police cordon lines. Such acts pose a serious threat to the citizens and officers on the scene.

     Having given repeated warnings to the protestors in vain, Police officers have deployed tear gas and minimum force to disperse the protestors.

     Police appeal to everyone on site to leave immediately and strongly condemn all violent acts of the protestors.

     Residents of the area are advised to stay tuned to the latest situation and if necessary, keep their windows shut and stay indoors.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

Please broadcast the following message as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:
 
     At around 8pm tonight (August 24), protestors set up barricades on Lung Cheung Road, Wong Tai Sin, paralysing traffic and obstructing emergency services. Some violent protestors dug up bricks from pavements.
      
     The report room services of Wong Tai Sin Division Police Station are now temporarily suspended. Police appeal to members of the public not to obstruct emergency vehicles access so as to avoid affecting the emergency services provided to the public. In case of emergency, please call 999.
      
     Police warn the protestors concerned to stop all illegal acts and leave immediately. Police strongly condemn all violent acts of the protestors.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (August 24) that in light of possible mass gathering activities in Tsuen Wan District tomorrow (August 25), the tennis courts of Tsuen Wan Park, Tsuen Wan Riviera Park and Sha Tsui Road Playground, Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, Yeung Uk Road Sports Centre, Wai Tsuen Sports Centre, Tsuen King Circuit Sports Centre, Tsuen Wan Town Hall and Tsuen Wan Public Library will be closed at 2pm tomorrow. Subject to the situation in the vicinity, more cultural and leisure facilities in the same district and any other districts which may be affected will also be closed early and at short notice to ensure the safety of venue users. Members of the public who plan to go to those venues are advised to contact the venues concerned in advance.