Clampdown on protests ahead of Hong Kong handover anniversary
Hong Kong authorities have arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival. The protesters called for democratic reforms amidst growing fears about Beijing's grip on the city.
Demanding democracy
Police arrested at least 26 young activists for causing "public nuisance" at a protest ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in Hong Kong. Animosity towards Beijing has grown among young people in Hong Kong in recent years, with some demanding a full split from the mainland. A protest on July 1, the day of the anniversary, could draw up to 100,000 people.
A shadow over Hong Kong's 'Golden Bauhinia'
Protesters previously draped a black sheet over the "Forver Blooming Gold Bauhinia" sculpture. The statue, which depicts Hong Kong's sweet-smelling official emblem, was given to the city by China to mark the 1997 handover. It is located outside a convention center that will host some of the anniversary events and is close to where Chinese President Xi Jinping will be staying.
City on lockdown
Around 30 protesters gathered at the "Golden Bauhinia" statue on Wednesday, climbing on its petals and forming chain around its base. The demonstrators inside the flower were the last to be removed and were helped down by firefighters.
Making their voices heard
The activists held a three-hour sit-in around the sculpture before police began leading them away one-by-one. Prior to the arrests, the demonstrators shouted: "Civil disobedience, no fear!" and "Xi Jinping, can you hear us?"
Joshua Wong in custody
Student protest leader Joshua Wong (center) was among those arrested on Wednesday evening. Although other protesters were led from the scene, Wong lay down on the ground and was carried from the scene into a police van. He was one of the leaders of the Umbrella Movement in 2014 which saw mass rallies in Hong Kong. Their calls for democratic reforms ultimately failed to win concessions.
Legislator Nathan Law arrested
Hong Kong's youngest lawmaker and former Umbrella Movement leader Nathan Law (center) was also carried away by police and remained in custody. The 23-year-old was elected to the legislature last year.
Divided city
President Xi is visiting Hong Kong for celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Britain's handover of the territory to China on July 1. But there are concerns that Beijing has been violating the "one country, two systems" deal by interfering in politics, education and media.