Loading...

International

Hong Kong: protesters take to streets on anniversary of China handover

16:40, Monday, 01 July, 2019
Hong Kong: protesters take to streets on anniversary of China handover

Anti-government protesters in Hong Kong took over key roads early on Monday amid rising tensions ahead of what expected to be a huge pro-democracy rally on the anniversary of the city’s handover to China.

The semi-autonomous city has been shaken by historic demonstrations in the past month, when protesters have demanded the withdrawal of a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland.

While an official ceremony took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to mark the 22nd anniversary of the return of sovereignty from Britain to China, tensions spiked once more in the financial hub after hundreds of mainly young, masked protesters mostly in black wearing hard hats and goggles seized three key thoroughfares, some deploying metal and plastic barriers to block the way.
     Rows of riot police with helmets and shields faced protesters on Harcourt Road, the main thoroughfare, and a couple of the side streets in the area. Hundreds of protesters shouted “retract the evil law” in the torrential rain at one point.

8755 | 0
Facebook