Teachers support HK protests

HONG KONG: School teachers in Hong Kong have marched to the official residence of the city leader as another weekend of protests got underway.

An overflow crowd rallied at a public square in the financial district before setting off for Government House, carrying signs that read “Protect the next generation” and umbrellas to ward off intermittent downpours.

Teachers said they want to show their support for the protesters, many of whom are students.

They said the government should answer the protesters’ demands and stop using what they called police violence to disperse demonstrators who take over streets and besiege and deface government buildings.

“We are here due to continuous violence by the government and police,” said a secondary school teacher, who gave only his last name, Ko. “We feel we have the right to protect our students.”

Hong Kong’s protests, nearing the end of their 10th week, show no sign of relenting. Both a march on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour and a counter- rally backing the government were planned for late yesterday. A rally in Victoria Park has been called for today.

The movement’s demands include the resignation of the city leader, Carrie Lam, democratic elections and an independent investigation into police use of force.

China’s paramilitary People’s Armed Police have been holding drills this week across the border in Shenzhen, fuelling speculation they could be sent in to suppress the protests.