HONG KONG – Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor backed on Sunday a call for firmly handling teachers and civil servants suspected to be involved in violent protests across the city.

In a Facebook post Sunday, Lam expressed her support for recent comments of Secretary for Civil Service Joshua Law Chi-kong and Secretary for Education Kevin Yeung Yun-hung on suspending civil servants and teachers for their suspected participation in unlawful protests since last June.

The Hong Kong leader thanked all teachers and civil servants who were professional in carrying out their duties amid the social unrest.

Dismissing allegations of "making judgment before trial", she said that the SAR government would remain fair and firm in punishing "black sheep" bent on destabilizing the city through violence.

Of 41 arrested civil servants, 31 were suspended from their duties for their suspected role in the violent protest, Law said Friday. The suspension was in public interest and in consideration of how their conduct reflected on the cadre, he said.

The secretary for education said at a news conference on Dec 20 that around 80 teachers, who were arrested for their suspected involvement in illegal activities, faced both disciplinary and legal action.

He said the Education Bureau took all allegations of teacher misconduct very seriously. Some teachers even run the risk of seeing their teaching certifications revoked if they are found guilty, he said.