Violence in Hong Kong as Police Fire Tear Gas, Beat Protesters

• 08.12.2019, 13:13
•  Asia,  World

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and beat demonstrators in another night of violent confrontation with protesters as protests continued on the 10th weekend in a row, AlJazeera reports.

Reuters news agency on Sunday said its reporters in Wan Chai saw two petrol bombs thrown, setting small fires on the streets, while tear gas volleys and advancing riot police sent some protesters fleeing.

Tear gas was also fired inside the Kwai Fong metro station, forcing a crowd of protesters to flee.

Videos posted on social media showed police making several arrests and repeatedly beating protesters with batons. One protester was shown with a bloodied face pinned down on the pavement by officers in anti-riot gear.

There have also been allegations of police officers disguised as protesters trying to start fights. 

Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of the city's leader Carrie Lam, democratic elections, the release of those arrested in earlier protests, and an investigation into police use of force against the protesters.

Banners at the rally in Victoria Park read "Give Hong Kong back to us" and "Withdraw the evil law", the latter a reference to an extradition bill that was the original spark for the protests.

The demonstrations have since morphed into a broader bid to reverse a slide in democratic freedoms in the city.

Protesters took over streets in two parts of the Asian financial hub, blocking traffic and setting up another night of showdowns with riot police as they chanted: "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our time."