Fiery rage in HK
Protesters hurl Molotov cocktails
Pro-democracy protesters sang “God Save the Queen” outside Hong Kong’s UK consulate Sunday in a bid for support — but tensions flared later as demonstrators and cops exchanged Molotov cocktails and tear gas.
The earlier crowd — some wearing masks — shouted “Free Hong Kong” and held up banners, including one quoting Winston Churchill’s World War II promise to “outlive the menace of tyranny.”
“It was promised that Hong Kong people would enjoy basic human rights and such protection,” one protester told the BBC. “We believe that the UK government has the legal rights and moral obligation to protect Hong Kong people.”
The protesters have clashed with authorities since June over what they say are the Chinese government’s attempt to stifle freedoms Hong Kong was promised when the British turned over the former colony to China in 1997.
The consulate demonstration lacked the violence that has marked anti-government protests in recent months — but that changed later in the day.
Thousands defied a government ban and marched into the city’s central business district in what evolved into the latest confrontation between police and protesters.
The marchers burned Chinese flags, tore down pro-government posters, smashed windows and hurled Molotov cocktails at police — who fired tear gas and water cannons at the crowd.
“I feel this is our duty,” said Winnie Leung, a protester who defied the ban. “The government wants to block us with the ban, but I want to say that the people will not be afraid.”
Last week, demonstrators begged President Trump to “liberate” the embattled city — but the Chinese government on Sunday issued a stern warning to other countries to stay out of the fray.
Chinese officials contend they are still committed to the “one country, two systems” agreement.