HKSARG strongly condemns illegal acts of vandalism committed against London ETO
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On August 29 (London time), the premises of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) were vandalised. Offenders, under the cover of darkness, sprayed indecent and offensive language on the entrance of the London ETO, and defiled the regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). A spokesman for the HKSAR Government (HKSARG) expressed today (August 30) strong condemnation of these illegal acts which had been carried out with the intent to threaten others.
The London ETO has notified local police accordingly and stressed that vandals must face legal consequences as soon as possible. The spokesman emphasised that such vandalism is an outright challenge to the HKSARG and reflected the nefarious intentions of destabilising foreign forces to cause chaos and disruption in Hong Kong. The HKSARG must strongly condemn these acts and will pursue legal liability of the individuals involved.
The spokesman called on the British police to handle the matter seriously, and apprehend the culprits with proactive and appropriate actions in accordance with its obligation to safeguard the property of the London ETO and the personal safety of its staff, thereby ensuring that the London ETO can operate without illegal or undue interference.
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSARG has contacted the British Consul-General in Hong Kong to express his deep concern for the incident, and requested the British police to take action to protect the legal rights and interests of the London ETO. The Consul-General undertook to reflect the matter to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom and London Police, and follow-up as appropriate.