The government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) on early Wednesday denounced the violation of law during the protest march held on Tuesday.

A government statement said the government believed that the police have taken appropriate measures to handle the conflict in order to restore public order.

The MSAR government reaffirmed that the rights to voice opinions through demonstrations and other lawful ways of expression are respected and that calls will be answered proactively, said the statement.

It added that demonstrations should be carried out in a lawful manner and should pose no threats to normal social and economic activities, or to other people's lawful rights.

The statement also stressed the government's determination to maintain the rule of law and public order, which is the basis of Macao's development, and said that all attempts to disrupt Macao's stable development will not be allowed.

The demonstration was held by some 2,400 local residents here on Tuesday, demanding the reduction of labor import and the guarantee of livelihood.

Some protesters ignored the police regulations on march routes and tried on several occasions to break through police lines and clashed with police, according to a release issued by the Public Security Police on Wednesday.

The peaceful march later turned into illegal activities breaking public order and endangering people's livelihood, the release said.

Source: Xinhua