Police deployed tear gas for the first time in over a week on Saturday night, as a lull in the recent unrest was broken in Mong Kok.
At around 8pm, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside Prince Edward MTR station to mark three months since baton-wielding police stormed the station’s platforms and trains, making arrests and leaving several injured.
Shortly after 8:30pm, protesters used a power saw to close a gate at Prince Edward MTR Station’s Exit C2.#HongKong pic.twitter.com/MnJEgGoQ8t
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) November 30, 2019
Protesters chanted insults against the police, burnt funeral papers and laid floral tributes at an MTR exit, which police periodically removed.
The city has been gripped by 25 weeks of unrest sparked by calls for democratic reform and police accountability over their behaviour.
As the numbers swelled on Saturday, makeshift barricades were erected by protesters in the road, bringing traffic to a halt.
Shortly after 9pm, riot police rushed onto the scene and cleared the intersection, threatening to use pepperspray against protesters, bystanders and the press.
“[Protesters] set barricades along the road, seriously paralysing the traffic. The protestors are participating in an unauthorised assembly. Police warn the protestors to stop all illegal acts immediately,” a press release from the force said.
Exit C of the MTR station was closed, though the station otherwise remained open.
A woman suffered an eye injury after an officer fired pepper ball rounds on Prince Edward Road West at around 9:20pm.
HKFP livestream footage shows the moment an officer shot pepperball rounds at people in the distance on Prince Edward Road West. The incident, at around 9:20pm, left one woman with an eye injury. pic.twitter.com/WIOXFJg0h4
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) November 30, 2019
Tear gas was deployed shortly before midnight after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a police car, according to RTHK.
A resident in nearby Jordan told the broadcaster that he felt the police show of force was excessive: “They don’t need to be carrying guns. They don’t need to be threatening the use of force. They just need to show their presence and I think that’s enough to stop things from getting out of control.”
More demonstrations
Meanwhile, in Wong Tai Sin, there was a more jovial atmosphere on Saturday evening as hundreds celebrated last Sunday’s District Council election results. Pro-democracy candidates swept the board, winning all seats in the district.
Residents shared champagne and a roasted pig, as they danced and sang protest songs. The newly elected district councillors said the would continue campaigning for the movement’s demands.
Earlier in the day, a cross-generational rally took place peacefully at Chater Garden in Central.
The cross-generational Saturday afternoon peaceful rally at Chater Garden has attracted hundreds. It will be followed by three approved marches in the morning, noon and afternoon on Sunday.
Photo: Stand News. #hongkong pic.twitter.com/g3RypzZfrA
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) November 30, 2019
Speakers criticised the police use of tear gas over the past five months, while pro-democracy boy band Boyz Reborn took to the stage for a performance.
More demonstrations are planned on Sunday. At 10am, there will be a gathering at Edinburgh Place in Central protesting against the effects of tear gas upon children.
On Sunday at 10am, there will be a gathering at Edinburgh Place in Central demonstrating against the use of tear gas and its effect on children. #hongkong #hongkongprotests #antiELAB #china pic.twitter.com/OVZ8DlM8fE
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) November 30, 2019
At 12.30pm, protesters are set to march from Chater Garden to the US consulate and back to thank Washington for passing the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
Also on Sunday at 3pm, demonstrators will restate their five demands, gathering at the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower & marching to Hong Kong coliseum in Hung Hom. #hongkong #hongkongprotests #china pic.twitter.com/2OMdHztUA5
— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) November 30, 2019
And at 3pm, a larger gathering is expected in Tsim Sha Tsui, with marchers proceeding to Hung Hom to reiterate their five demands.
Hong Kong Free Press relies on direct reader support. Help safeguard independent journalism and press freedom as we invest more in freelancers, overtime, safety gear & insurance during this summer’s protests. 10 ways to support us.
