HONG KONG, Aug. 12 (CGTN) -- Carrie Lam, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), called for calm and warned that it will take a long time for Hong Kong to recover as the city endured weeks-long violent protests.

Lam reiterated at a weekly press briefing that the world's financial hub has seen large-scale vandalism and illegal activities, damaging the rule of law in the name of "freedom."

Over the recent weeks, some protesters blocked roads and metro stations, seriously affecting social order. On Monday, a large group of protesters occupied passenger terminals at Hong Kong International Airport, forcing authorities to halt airport operations and cancel hundreds of flights. Thousands of passengers have been stranded at one of the busiest airports in the world.

She also pointed out that some protesters circulated unverified and baseless pictures and information, and viciously targeted legal authorities, police officers and even their families.

"I, again, appeal to everyone to set aside differences and calm down for one minute to look at our city, our home. Can you stand the sight of pushing it into the abyss of destruction?" said Lam.