Hong Kong activists defy rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon
Protesters on the street day after arrest of pro-democracy campaigners
Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong defied a clampdown by authorities yesterday and took to the streets.
Police used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon in violent confrontations with activists.
The latest demonstrations follow the arrest of a number of leading pro-democracy campaigners on Friday, including Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong.
The pair, who are both 22, were released on bail after being charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly at the Hong Kong police headquarters. They were also charged with inciting others to demonstrate.
Yesterday’s protest was held on the fifth anniversary of a decision by China’s ruling Communist Party against fully democratic elections in Hong Kong.
Democratic Party MP Lam Cheuk-ting said Hong Kong citizens would keep fighting for their rights and freedoms despite the arrests of activists and politicians.
Others reportedly arrested include the former student leader Althea Suen, Shatin district councillor Rick Hui Yiu-yu and New Territories West politician Cheng Chung-tai.
Protesters are demanding full withdrawal of a shelved extradition bill, as well as democratic
elections and an investigation into alleged police brutality in battles with hard-line demonstrators.
Mr Lam said: “I do believe the government deliberately arrested several leaders of the democratic camp to try to threaten Hong Kong people not to come out to fight against the evil law.”
In what was advertised as a Christian protest, 1,000 people marched to a Methodist church and police headquarters. They alternated between singing hymns and chanting pro-democracy slogans.
The government shut down streets and subway services near the Chinese Government’s office, three miles west of the religious march. Police said the marches, in their 13th week, began peacefully but had become violent.
Following his release on Friday, Wong said: “I urge the international community to send a clear message to President Xi: sending troops or using an emergency ordinance is not the way out. We will continue our fight no matter how many they arrest or prosecute us.”