Hong Kong protesters chide police 'brutality'
October 27, 2019
Hong Kong riot police on Sunday fired tear gas in an attempt to remove thousands of protesters who had gathered for an unapproved demonstration at the Kowloon harborfront to denounce perceived police brutality over months of unrest.
Many demonstrators were wearing the now banned face masks.
Police arrived at the demonstration site early and warned protesters to leave the tourist district of Tsim Sha Tsui, opposite the British colonial-era Peninsula Hotel.
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Protesters flee
The number of protesters had been growing by the minute as they streamed down Nathan Road to the water's edge, facing the dramatic skyline of Hong Kong island opposite, but many fled after the tear gas and pepper spray were fired.
Police detained some protesters as they gathered, many yelling profanities while police used loudhailers to warn others away.
The crowds at the waterfront had largely dispersed after a couple of hours, but several hard-line activists set fire to nearby shops and hurled petrol bombs.
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In recent weeks, pro-democracy activists have attacked police with petrol bombs and rocks and slashed one officer in the neck with a knife.
Police have responded with tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds, wounding several protesters and a few journalists.
The police deny accusations of brutality, saying they have shown restraint in life-threatening situations.
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Lull in large protests
In the last few days, protests have not been as large or violent as previous demonstrations, but smaller "flash mob" protests have remained a near-daily phenomenon.
Protesters are angry about what they see as creeping Chinese interference in Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms that are not enjoyed on the mainland.
China has denied meddling and has instead accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of causing trouble.
law/mm (AFP, AP, Reuters)