China hits back at U.N. rights boss over Hong Kong remarks

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet looks on before signing an agreement on the provision of guidance and technical assistance in the Ayotzinapa case, in Mexico City, Mexico on April 8, 2019. (REUTERS File Photo)

GENEVA, August 13 (Reuters): China rejected on Tuesday what it called a "wrongful statement" on Hong Kong by U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, saying it amounted to interference in its domestic affairs and sent "the wrong signal to violent criminal offenders".

Earlier, Bachelet had urged Hong Kong to exercise restraint and investigate evidence of its forces firing tear gas at protesters in ways banned by international law.

China's mission to the U.N. in Geneva said in a statement that Hong Kong protesters had smashed public facilities, paralyzed the airport, blocked public transport and used lethal weapons, "showing a tendency of resorting to terrorism".

"The Chinese central government firmly supports Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the HK SAR government in discharging their duties in compliance with the law and supports the Hong Kong police force and judicial organs in enforcing the law decisively," it said.