As protests in Hong Kong enter their ninth week, clashes between activists, the police, and pro-Beijing supporters have become increasingly frequent.
Police should be aware by now of what they face when protesters leave at the first opportunity and they are left facing verbal abuse from locals
This chant 「守護深水埗」”protect Sham Shui Po” says a lot about how police are viewed in terms of keepers of law and order #antiELAB pic.twitter.com/UjFqNxmuF0
— Aaron Mc Nicholas (@aaronMCN) August 6, 2019
On Monday, a city-wide strike caused widespread disruption with protesters paralyzing main roads and train stations during peak hours, reports CNN.
The chant in Hong Kong today is:
“MONDAY, STRIKE!” #HongKongProtests #China pic.twitter.com/O0QJCn0aFj
— Aaira Khan (@AairaKhaan) August 4, 2019
Some motorists and commuters have reacted negatively to the disruption and tried to proceed to go about their way, leading to confrontations with the demonstrators.
A witness even filmed a car forcefully hitting a barricade set up by protesters in the district of Yuen Long. The vehicle reportedly injured at least one person.
#breaking: A video circulated online has showed a car rushing through the barricades set up by #antiELAB protesters in #YuenLong and hitting at least a man #HKstrike #Hongkongprotests pic.twitter.com/LH8NhVy8DW
— Jeffie Lam (@jeffielam) August 5, 2019
Someone on site posted on LIHKG and mentioned that initially after the first fights broke, driver was given first aid for his wounds, then got back into his car, called the cops, but decided all of a sudden to ram into the crowd. 😶#HongKongProtests #FreedomHK #antiEALB pic.twitter.com/K0UEvlbJ0k
— Hong Kong – Be Water (@BeWaterHKG) August 5, 2019
Demonstrations at Hong Kong International Airport participated by over 2,300 aviation workers also caused cancellation of over 200 flights, according to Hong Kong’s Airport Authority.
The chant in Hong Kong today is:
“MONDAY, STRIKE!” #HongKongProtests #China pic.twitter.com/O0QJCn0aFj
— Aaira Khan (@AairaKhaan) August 4, 2019
In anticipation of the planned strike, the Hong Kong police have come in full force.
Footage is now emerging on Telegram showing the scale of the police response to assembled pro-democracy demonstrators in Tai Po. Have you ever seen so many police vehicles in all your life? #反送中 #AntiELAB pic.twitter.com/hAccIcJO1w
— Jack Hazlewood (@JackHHazlewood) August 5, 2019
Protesters have been fighting back, throwing objects at riot police, setting fires and besieging police stations.
#LIVE: Protesters set fires at and besiege police stations, throw national flag into water as chaos reigns across Hong Kong https://t.co/4zOXMH4fU9 #HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/lVesmONDUt
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) August 5, 2019
VIDEO: Clashes between protesters and police continuing past midnight in the Sham Shui Po district of #Kowloon. pic.twitter.com/hHwvP8uIvb #HongKong #antiEALB #NoExtradictionToChina #Beijing #Labour #HongKongProtests #ViolencesPolicieres
— Sam Pye (@freddie1999) August 6, 2019
In some instances, innocent bystanders were caught between the crossfires.
Children, living in Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate, were severely affected by tear gas. The mother of three poured water on her children’s faces as they entered the elevator crying. #HongKongProtests #HongKong #antiELAB #HKstrike pic.twitter.com/AfUxc1xQ0Q
— Regina Lam (@TszchingRegina) August 5, 2019
Meanwhile, Shatin district council member Wong Hok-lai is among those recently arrested by police. Wong, who was being detained for allegedly assaulting the police, has denied any wrongdoing.
More updates. Earlier (after midnight) protestors against the arrest of the BUSA president showed up to voice their dissent against the police. Riot police stationed in the area. SSP District Counsellor Wong showed up to check on locals but was arrested.#HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/rUjVvWomba
— Hong Kong – Be Water (@BeWaterHKG) August 6, 2019
Pro-Beijing residents, particularly in the North Point district have also been participating in the violent retaliation against demonstrators.
#LIVE: A group of white-shirted men brandishing rods are attacking protesters in North Point https://t.co/4zOXMH4fU9 #HongKongProtests pic.twitter.com/ipmIct6zXV
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) August 5, 2019
Men wielding long poles have been captured on film clashing with protesters.
In response to the escalating violence, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned that Hong Kong was “on the verge of a very dangerous situation” and now she is pledging to restore law and order.
The Chinese foreign ministry echoed the same warning, with a statement noting that “China’s resolve to safeguard the stability of Hong Kong” should not be underestimated.
From the poorest district in #HongKong Sham Shui Po. Riot police randomly grab local residents as they try to go home, accusing them of unlawful assembly and obstruction of officers. Hong Kong is quickly approaching a police state. #HongKongProtests #BauhiniaUprising #FreedomHK pic.twitter.com/MoM00UOXMw
— Snufkin (@Anon_Snufkin) August 6, 2019
Featured image via YouTube/VOA News (Source: AP/Mike Zhang)
