The Hong Kong government says it deeply regrets the involvement of civil servants in protests that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its biggest crisis in decades as activists plan fresh demonstrations.
Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung's comments came after commentary by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily said Hong Kong civil servants who supported the anti-government demonstrations would "perish with the rioters".
Mr Cheung is standing in for beleaguered Carrie Lam, who is visiting mainland China, where President Xi Jinping said on Monday the central government had a high degree of confidence in her.
The demonstrations began over a since-scrapped extradition bill and escalated in mid-June.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (R) and Chief Secretary for Administration (C) Matthew Cheung. Source: NurPhoto
Protesters have kept up their calls for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police behaviour, among other demands.
The protests, which pose a grave challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, have received broad support from Hong Kong people, including some civil servants - one of whom was arrested on 31 October for illegal assembly - teachers and financial sector workers who have at times taken to the streets.
"In the past few months, a very small portion of the civil servants have broken the law, participating in illegal protests. We deeply regret that," Mr Cheung said.
"I think citizens have expectations to our colleagues. Their first job is to serve society, serve the community. And to support government policies, that is the responsibility of the civil servants."
In August, thousands of civil servants defied a government warning to remain politically neutral and joined a rally, while Ms Lam said in September she regretted the arrest of some civil servants during protests.
While the number of people who take part in the mostly weekend rallies has dwindled from the millions who participated in June, the violence and vandalism have escalated. Authorities have refused permits for many recent protests, making them illegal from the outset and activists liable to be arrested.
Mr Cheung said his administration would cherish and safeguard freedom of the press amid mounting criticism of what many see as excessive police force, including against the media.
Students wear Guy Fawkes masks, popularised by the 'V For Vendetta' comic book film, before their graduation ceremony at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Source: AFP
Protesters have circulated plans on social media to mark Guy Fawkes Day on Tuesday by wearing the white, smiling masks made popular by anti-establishment hackers, the film "V for Vendetta" and protesters globally.
Beijing-backed Ms Lam banned face masks last month, invoking colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years, but protesters have largely ignored the ruling.
The demonstrations have battered the retail and tourism sectors, with preliminary government data showing the economy slid into recession for the first time in a decade in the third quarter.
