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US condemns use of ‘deadly force’ on Hong Kong protesters

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HONG KONG: Riot police fire tear gas, baton-charge many in renewed clashes with protesters

The United States has expressed “grave concern” over the ongoing pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and condemned the “unjustified use of deadly force” by security operatives.

“Hong Kong police and civilians alike have a responsibility to de-escalate and avoid violent confrontations,” an official with the US administration official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In a separate statement, US State Department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, said the US was watching the situation in Hong Kong with “grave concern” and condemned violence on all sides.

READ ALSO: Police nab two protesters, wound another in Hong Kong

“The United States urges the Hong Kong government to build on its dialogue with the Hong Kong public and begin efforts to address the underlying concerns driving the protests. We also urge the protesters to respond to efforts at dialogue,” she said.

Monday recorded one of the most violent days in nearly six months of protests in the Chinese-ruled city, when police shot and critically wounded a 21-year-old protester and a man was set on fire in escalating violence that prompted leader Carrie Lam to denounce the demonstrators as “enemies of the people.”

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