Hong Kong protesters face stiff riot charges

Hong Kong police hauled dozens of protesters into court Wednesday to face draconian charges of rioting in a move likely to stir further unrest.

Charges were read against 23 people, accusing them of setting up road blocks, breaking fences, damaging street signs, and attacking police with “lethal weapons” such as bricks.

It was the first time authorities have formally accused protesters of rioting — a charge that carries a possible 10-year prison sentence — since mass demonstrations broke out early June, plunging Hong Kong into its worst political turmoil since Britain returned the former colony to Chinese rule.

The charges came amid reports Wednesday that Chinese armed forces were mobilizing on the border. The White House is monitoring the military build up, sources told Bloomberg.

Protesters Wednesday defied the lashing wind and rain of an incoming typhoon to gather outside court where demonstrators appeared before the judge to be formally charged.

The indicted included a teacher, a nurse, a pilot, a barber, a chef, an electrician, a construction worker and unemployed people, according to charge sheets. A 16-year-old girl was also among the group. The eldest was 41.

Protesters chanted: “Release the righteous. There are no rioters, only tyranny. Reclaim Hong Kong, the revolution of our times.”

Clashes occur nearly every day as protesters angry with the government continued to clash with the police. On Tuesday, spontaneous violent protests broke out outside the police headquarters as the rioting charges were announced for the first time.

Clashes took an extraordinary turn when crowds were targeted with fireworks shot from a moving car. At least six people were injured in the drive-by, which was shared widely on social media.

The attacks are likely to sow further confusion amid the escalating crisis in Hong Kong, after protesters were targeted last week by a mob linked to triad gangs.

Hong Kong police Wednesday arrested three men on criminal damage and common assault, and said they will “spare no effort in investigating all illegal and violent acts.”

The charges are likely to further enrage demonstrators, who first demanded the formal withdrawal of an extradition bill that would send suspects to face trial in mainland China, where Communist Party control of the courts contributes to a 99.9 per cent conviction rate.

In comments to Bloomberg Wednesday, an anonymous U.S. official said the White House is monitoring a congregation of Chinese forces along the border to Hong Kong, though the nature of the buildup isn’t clear.

Hua Chunying, China’s ministry spokesman, said Wednesday she wasn’t aware of a situation on the border.