Hong Kong police remove 9 protesters out of gov't headquarters

Hong Kong, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong police removed at least nine protesters on Friday afternoon out of the headquarters building of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government.

The protesters, which are members of local political organization Demosisto, intruded into the East Wing of Central Government Offices (CGO) on Friday morning, causing a blockage in the lobby.

A spokesperson said the Hong Kong SAR government strongly condemned those protesters for ignoring advice and warnings given by security personnel inside the government building and attempting to block the East Wing of the building. One female security guard was injured and given medical attention, according to the spokesperson.

"The government respects residents' right to express their opinions, but at the same time it will also safeguard an effective, safe and smooth operation of the CGO," the spokesperson said.

As a working place of government officials, the CGO has never been part of an area designated for public meetings or processions, the spokesperson added.