Perpetrators of violence in Hong Kong should be identified and brought to justice, Gennady Gatilov, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Office in Geneva, said on Thursday.

The recent escalation of violence in Hong Kong is indeed unfortunate and deplorable, the ambassador told Xinhua, noting that it is self-evident that the intentional destruction of property and deliberate attacks on law enforcement personnel are "grave violations" of law.

Violence in Hong Kong is definitely detrimental to ordinary economic activity and hampers the daily life of the Hong Kong people, said Gatilov.

Any country must respect the principle of equality before the law, he said, adding that if a crime is committed by the radicals, it is the duty of the country to prosecute the perpetrators.

During the interview, the ambassador also reiterated Russia's position against any external interference in domestic affairs of any sovereign country.

Such interference is quite often aimed at destabilizing the situation, provoking violence and insecurity, creating a distorted perception of the issue, he said.

External interference also constitutes a clear violation of common international law and is contrary to the purposes and principles of the UN charter, said the Russian envoy. Enditem