HK protesters march in defiance ahead of National Day
HONG KONG (AP) — Thousands of protesters regrouped after police fired tear gas at them yesterday and marched along a thoroughfare in downtown Hong Kong in a second straight day of defiance, sparking fears of more violence ahead of China’s National Day.
Protesters, many clad in black with umbrellas and carrying pro-democracy posters, sang songs and chanted “Stand with Hong Kong, fight for freedom” as they took over a stretch of a road over a kilometer long and headed toward the government office complex.
Many fled earlier after riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse a large crowd that amassed at the Causeway Bay shopping area and threw objects in their direction.
But protesters returned to start their march, some carrying American, British and other foreign flags.
Some of them defaced, tore down and burned signages congratulating China’s Communist Party, which will mark its 70th year in power on Tuesday.
Others sprayed graffiti along walls and smashed windows at a subway exit. A police helicopter was hovering above.
Yesterday’s gathering, a continuation of monthslong protests for greater democracy in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory, is part of global “antitotalitarianism” rallies planned in over 60 cities worldwide to denounce “Chinese tyranny.”
In Sydney, more than a thousand people rallied in support of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, yelling “Fight for freedom” and “Stand with Hong Kong.”
On Saturday, police also fired tear gas and water cannons after protesters threw bricks and firebombs at government buildings following a massive rally in downtown Hong Kong.
The clashes were part of a familiar cycle since protests began in June over a now-shelved extradition bill and have since snowballed into an anti-China movement.
Protesters are also planning to march on Tuesday despite a police ban, sparking fears of more ugly scenes that could embarrass Chinese President Xi Jinping as his ruling Communist Party marks the 70th anniversary.
Many said they will wear mourning black in a direct challenge to the authority of the Communist Party, with posters calling for Oct. 1 to be marked as “A Day of Grief.”
Hong Kong’s government has already scaled down National Day celebrations in the city, canceling an annual firework display and moving a reception indoor.