Protesters burn flag, police fire pepper spray
HONG KONG: Protesters in Hong Kong burned a Chinese flag and police fired pepper spray Saturday in renewed clashes over antigovernment grievances.
Police accused some protesters of throwing gasoline bombs after a march by several thousand people in Tuen Mun, an outlying district in the Chinese territory’s northwest. The event was relatively small compared with previous demonstrations that have taken place every weekend since June.
The protests started with opposition to a proposed extradition law and have expanded to include demands for greater democracy.
The events are an embarrassment for China’s Communist Party ahead of October 1 celebrations of its 70th anniversary in power. Hong Kong’s government announced it has canceled a fireworks display that day, citing concern for public safety.
In Tuen Mun, protesters marched about 2 kilometers from a playground to a government office building. Many were dressed in black and carried umbrellas, a symbol of their movement. Protesters chanted, “Reclaim Hong Kong!” and “Revolution of our times!” Most were peaceful but some took down a Chinese flag from a pole outside a government office and set fire to it. A government statement said some protesters “threw petrol bombs” but gave no details of possible injuries or damage. It told people in the area to stay indoors and keep their windows closed.
The statement said protesters caused unspecified damage to the Tuen Mun light rail station and threw objects onto the tracks.
Organizers announced the event, due to last two hours, was ending after one hour due to the chaotic scene at the station.
An organiser quoted by government broadcaster RTHK, Michael Mo, complained police escalated tension by sending armed anti-riot officers.
That will “only escalate tension between protesters and police,” Mo was quoted as saying.
Elsewhere, scuffles were reported as government supporters heeded a call by a pro-beijing member of the Hong Kong legislature to tear down protest posters at subway stations. Hong Kong’s leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam, has agreed to withdraw the extradition bill.