UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on Saturday to conduct an independent investigation into violence during protests in Hong Kong, Reuters reported.
On Friday, the RTHK television and radio corporation reported that a fourteen-year-old was hit by a bullet during protests in Hong Kong.
“We are excited about the high level of violence associated with the demonstrations … and we are also concerned about injuries sustained by the police and protesters, including journalists and protesters who were shot by law enforcement officials”, – said Bachelet, speaking at the press conference in Kuala Lumpur .
According to her, Hong Kong should immediately conduct a “productive, quick, independent and impartial investigation” of acts of violence, and all those responsible should be brought to justice.
“I strongly condemn acts of violence from all sides and urge everyone who responds to the demonstrations, as well as those participating in the protests, to do this peacefully, without the use of violence”, – Bachelet added.
Speaking about the ban on wearing masks, the head of the HRC noted that masks should not provoke violence, but called on the Hong Kong authorities not to use the ban against certain groups or to restrict the right to freedom of assembly.
In Hong Kong, protests over the extradition law have been ongoing for several months. On Friday, a new wave was begun after the Head of the Hong Kong administration, Carrie Lam, had announced the decision of the authorities to impose a ban on wearing masks during protests and other public gatherings. The ban took effect at midnight local time. Persons who violate the ban may receive a sentence of imprisonment of up to a year or a fine of 25 thousand Hong Kong dollars (3.2 thousand US dollars).