Yesterday, tens of thousands of black-clad activists filled a usually bustling market district where shop
owners had shuttered their storefronts in anticipation of a prolonged demonstration. They also blocked a
tunnel and surrounded police stations where non-emergency services were suspended.
Police had warned earlier in the day that those who continued past the pre-approved protest route would be
breaking the law. They called on protesters to stick to designated routes and times after violent clashes
marred previous rallies in the summer-long protest movement. Any demonstrations that are not pre-
approved will be “cleared out” as unlawful assemblies, police said.
After the protesters defied those warnings, police fired several rounds of teargas yesterday night to push
back some demonstrators who had thrown bricks at a police station and spray-painted inflammatory
language on its outer walls. Protesters then created a barricade with umbrellas, metal road barriers and a
public trash receptacle as police protected by shields stayed put and raised teargas warning banners. The
protesters also set cardboard on fire to form a barrier.
A small crowd of local residents gathered in front of the police line, complaining that they were unable to go
home because the police were blocking the way to the subway station. A 42-year-old Swedish man named
Peter, who was in Hong Kong on business, said he could not reach his hotel just a few blocks away. “But it’s
a small price to pay,” said Peter, who added he supports the protesters.
Since the rallies began, protesters have vandalised buildings and thrown bricks, while police have fired
teargas and rubber bullets. In a separate demonstration yesterday, thousands of people dressed in white
gathered at a Hong Kong park to express their support for the police. They held up signs that read “Give
Peace a Chance”.
Pro-democracy demonstrators began setting up first-aid stations and handing out helmets a few hours into
their rally. When one group reached the harbour near a luxury shopping centre and high-end hotels, some
protesters climbed up a cluster of flag poles and removed the Chinese national flag.
After some debate over whether to paint the flag black, they decided to throw it into the water before the
police could intervene. Shortly afterward, a 38-year-old protester named Paladin Cheng planted himself
beside the poles with his own set of flags, which read “Hong Kong Independence”.
“We’re losing our freedom little by little,” said Cheng, who was clad in head-to-toe black with a black visor
and face mask. “Those who don’t support Hong Kong independence will have no choice but to become
Chinese.”
A former British colony, Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under the framework of “one country,
two systems,” which promises the city certain freedoms not afforded to mainland residents. In recent years,
however, some Hong Kong residents have accused Beijing of chipping away at their autonomy through the
arrests of booksellers and activists.
Such sentiments have propelled the current mass demonstrations, which were triggered in early June by a
proposed extradition law that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China to
stand trial. While the government has since suspended the legislation, protesters have pressed on with five
major demands, including direct elections and an investigation into alleged police brutality. Hong Kong’s
leader is chosen by a pro-Beijing committee.
Zarine Chau, a 56-year-old security guard, said she rarely used to get involved in politics, but was angered
after she saw videos of police officers beating up protesters. “I feel so hurt,” Ms Chau said. “Why doesn’t
the government answer to us?” She attended yesterday’s rally with her five-month-old Chihuahua, who was
there to help protesters relax, Ms Chau said.
A 44-year-old nonprofit worker surnamed Wai said he was worried about protesters’ safety because violent