Flights resume as protesters plan next move
A sense of order appeared to return to Hong Kong’s airport yesterday as flights resumed after two days of disruptions that descended into clashes protesters and police.
The clashes highlighted the hardening positions of pro-democracy protesters and the authorities in the semi-autonomous Chinese city. After nightfall on Wednesday, a new protest outside a police station in the city was dispersed as officers fired tear gas.
There was soul-searching in the protest movement, including the three dozen demonstrators who remained camped at the airport arrivals area. They asked travellers and the general public for forgiveness yesterday after their blockade turned into chaotic and frenzied violence.
While the movement’s supporters still have street protests planned, it’s unclear what their next move is or whether they will be able to find new rallying sites to keep the pressure on authorities.
Protesters spread pamphlets and posters on the floor in one section of the terminal but were not impeding travellers. Online, they also circulated letters and promotional materials apologising for the inconveniences during the past five days of the airport occupation.
“It is not our intention to cause delays to your travels and we do not want to cause inconvenience to you,” said an emailed statement from a group of protesters.
“We ask for your understanding and forgiveness as young people in Hong Kong continue to fight for freedom and democracy.”
Hong Kong police said they arrested five people, aged between 17 and 28, during clashes at the airport Tuesday night.
In Hong Kong’s blue-collar Sham Shui Po neighbourhood, police fired tear gas Wednesday night at a group of protesters rallying outside a police station. The protesters had gathered to burn phony currency and incense as a way to show their opposition to the police during the month-long Hungry Ghost Festival, when offerings are made to ward off the spirits of ancestors.
The demonstrators demand that Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam step down and scrap proposed legislation under which some suspects could be sent to mainland China.