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Police use rubber bullets as Hong Kong protesters vow 'no retreat' Police use rubber bullets as Hong Kong protesters vow 'no retreat'
(about 3 hours later)
Hong Kong police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters who had massed outside government headquarters on Wednesday in opposition to a proposed extradition bill that has become a lightning rod for concerns over greater Chinese control and erosion of civil liberties in the territory. Riot police used rubber bullets, batons and teargas against people in Hong Kong protesting against a controversial extradition bill that would tighten Beijing’s grip on the semi-autonomous territory.
The violence marked a major escalation in the semi-autonomous Chinese city’s biggest political crisis in years. It came after protesters earlier in the day forced the delay of a legislative debate over the bill, which would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in mainland China. Unable to drive away the crowds paralysing the downtown business district on Wednesday, authorities were forced to delay a debate over the bill that would allow criminal suspects in Hong Kong to be sent for trial in mainland China.
Police used rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray and batons to disperse crowds of demonstrators calling for authorities to scrap the Beijing-backed law. Protesters worry Beijing will exploit the law to extradite political opponents and activists to the mainland, where they would meet a Chinese justice system criticised by human rights activists.
There were reports that one of the people who had been shot had sustained a head injury. Pictures and videos on social media purported to show people injured by rubber bullets or bean-bag rounds. The violence marked an escalation in the biggest political crisis in years to hit the city. Following the police crackdown, a group of protesters made a failed attempt to storm government offices. And in several cases, crowds charged at armed officers, throwing bottles and other debris.
1 July 1997: Hong Kong, previously a British colony, is returned to China under the framework of "one country, two systems". The "Basic Law" constitution guarantees to protect, for the next 50 years, the democratic institutions that make Hong Kong distinct from Communist-ruled mainland China.  Hospital authorities told local paper Apple Daily that 72 people had been hospitalised, and two were in a serious condition. Pictures and videos on social media appeared to show people wounded by rubber bullets or bean-bag rounds, which police fired from shotguns.
2003: Hong Kong's leaders introduce legislation that would forbid acts of treason and subversion against the Chinese government. The bill resembles laws used to charge dissidents on the mainland. An estimated half a million people turn out to protest against the bill. As a result of the backlash, further action on the proposal is halted.  Demonstrators shut down the main thoroughfare and streets near the legislature, refusing to leave until the authorities retracted the bill. By Wednesday night, hundreds of young protesters were bracing for riot police to disperse the crowds. Others said they would return the next day.
2007: The Basic Law stated that the ultimate aim was for Hong Kong's voters to achieve a complete democracy, but China decides in 2007 that universal suffrage in elections for the chief executive cannot be implemented until 2017. Some lawmakers are chosen by business and trade groups, while others are elected by vote. In a bid to accelerate a decision on universal suffrage, five lawmakers resign. But this act is followed by the adoption of the Beijing-backed electoral changes, which expand the chief executive's selection committee and add more seats for lawmakers elected by direct vote. The legislation divides Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp, as some support the reforms while others say they will only delay full democracy while reinforcing a structure that favors Beijing. 
2014: The Chinese government introduces a bill allowing Hong Kong residents to vote for their leader in 2017, but with one major caveat: the candidates must be approved by Beijing. Pro-democracy lawmakers are incensed by the bill, which they call an example of "fake universal suffrage" and "fake democracy". The move triggers a massive protest as crowds occupy some of Hong Kong's most crowded districts for 70 days. In June 2015, Hong Kong legislators formally reject the bill, and electoral reform stalls. The current chief executive, Carrie Lam, widely seen as the Chinese Communist Party's favored candidate, is hand-picked in 2017 by a 1,200-person committee dominated by pro-Beijing elites. 
2019: Lam pushes amendments to extradition laws that would allow people to be sent to mainland China to face charges. The proposed legislation triggers a huge protest, with organizers putting the turnout at 1 million, and a standoff that forces the legislature to postpone debate on the bills. 
Protesters “must stop the violence”, police chief Stephen Lo said, warning residents to stay away from a “riot situation”.
He confirmed police were using rubber bullets, claiming that if officers had not used the bullets “protesters would have used metal bars to stab our colleagues”.
Asked if the police would ask the Chinese army to help, he said: “Definitely not, at this stage.”
Hong Kong protest: police fire teargas at demonstrators – live
Beijing reiterated its support for the extradition law at a regular press briefing on Wednesday afternoon and called rumours that the government would call in the Chinese military to clear protests “misinformation”.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters in Beijing: “I can clearly tell you that is a fallacy being spread to deceive people and create panic.”
“The government just wants to scare the young people [by shooting tear gas],” Wong Shan, 80, told the Guardian. “The government really shouldn’t do this to peaceful protesters. Some police were even holding rifles. Unlike the 1967 riot, nobody is wrecking shops. They are just voicing their opinions. The law is a very wrong thing.”
“Hong Kong has become a dangerous place,” said Freeman Yim, 36, a construction worker. “You can just imagine what Hong Kong will become once the law comes in. Everyone has come out, whatever sector they belong to. But the government doesn’t listen. We cannot put up with this any more.”
The clashes came after Hong Kong’s politicians were forced to abandon a debate on the controversial bill after protesters surrounded the legislative council building and swamped the city centre.
Protesters wearing masks and cling film handed out by organisers to protect from pepper spray faced off with riot police who held up signs warning they were prepared to use force on the crowds to maintain stability. Water cannon was also used against the crowd earlier in the day.
Some demonstrators dismantled and moved police barricades and chanted “retract, retract” and “no retraction, no retreat”, referring to the proposed legislation many fear would let China spirit its critics across the border.
One protester, a 55-year-old lab technician who gave his name only as Chan, said: “I am here for Hong Kong, for our next generation.
What are the Hong Kong protests about?
“We don’t trust China. Rules and laws can be arbitrarily applied and we can see this in Hong Kong already,” he said, citing the recent disqualifications of pro-democracy lawmakers and jailing of the leaders of the 2014 Occupy Central movement.
Chan said if the law passed he would convert his saving to US dollars and seek to move abroad.
The proposed law had been due for a second round of debate in the 70-seat legislative council on Wednesday. The legislature’s chair, Andrew Leung, planned to limit debate on the extradition bill to 61 hours, meaning it could be put to a vote on 20 June.
Lawmakers said on Wednesday that they were notified the session had been cancelled about 15 minutes before debate was set to begin, as protesters swarmed streets and areas surrounding the legislative complex. Traffic was brought to a standstill.
Footage taken by Verna Yu this morning shows protesters gathering again in Hong Kong pic.twitter.com/dszCaLjz0s
Leung said the debate would be held at “a later time to be determined by him” but outside, protest organisers warned the crowds to continue. Over a loudspeaker, the crowd was told: “Do not be happy too soon. Andrew Leung, the traitor, can resume the debate at anytime! Let’s persevere!”
Observers have started to call the demonstrations “Occupy 2.0”, a reference to 79 days of demonstrations that paralysed the city in 2014, also known as the Umbrella Movement. On Wednesday, protesters built barricades and transported supplies to the front lines of the protests, including snacks, face masks and umbrellas to defend against pepper spray or tear gas used by police.
Hundreds of thousands of people have demonstrated in Hong Kong against legal changes that would make it easier to extradite people to China. Supporters say the amendments are key to ensuring the city does not become a criminal refuge, but critics worry Beijing will use the law to extradite political opponents and others to China. Under the amended law, those accused of offences punishable by seven years or more in prison could be extradited.Hundreds of thousands of people have demonstrated in Hong Kong against legal changes that would make it easier to extradite people to China. Supporters say the amendments are key to ensuring the city does not become a criminal refuge, but critics worry Beijing will use the law to extradite political opponents and others to China. Under the amended law, those accused of offences punishable by seven years or more in prison could be extradited.
The government claims the push to change the law, which would also apply to Taiwan and Macau, stems from the killing last year of a Hong Kong woman while she was in Taiwan with her boyfriend. Authorities in Taiwan suspect the woman’s boyfriend, who remains in Hong Kong, but cannot try him because no extradition agreement is in place. The government claims the push to change the law, which would also apply to Taiwan and Macau, stems from the killing last year of a Hong Kong woman while she was in Taiwan with her boyfriend. Authorities in Taiwan suspect the woman’s boyfriend, who remains in Hong Kong, but cannot try him because no extradition agreement is in place. 
Officials have promised to safeguard against abuses, pledging that no one at risk of political or religious persecution will be sent to the mainland. Suspects who could face the death penalty would not be extradited.Officials have promised to safeguard against abuses, pledging that no one at risk of political or religious persecution will be sent to the mainland. Suspects who could face the death penalty would not be extradited.
Hong Kong officials have repeatedly said the bill has not come from the central government in Beijing. However, Beijing has voiced its backing for the changes.Hong Kong officials have repeatedly said the bill has not come from the central government in Beijing. However, Beijing has voiced its backing for the changes.
Many Hong Kongers fear the proposed extradition law will be used by authorities to target political enemies. They worry the new legislation spells the end of the “one country, two systems” policy, eroding the civil rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents since the handover of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997.Many Hong Kongers fear the proposed extradition law will be used by authorities to target political enemies. They worry the new legislation spells the end of the “one country, two systems” policy, eroding the civil rights enjoyed by Hong Kong residents since the handover of sovereignty from the UK to China in 1997.
Many attending the protests said they could not trust China as it had often used non-political crimes to target government critics, and said they also feared Hong Kong officials would not be able to reject Beijing’s requests. Legal professionals have also expressed concern over the rights of those sent across the border to be tried. The conviction rate in Chinese courts is as high as 99%. Arbitrary detentions, torture and denial of legal representation of one’s choosing are also common.Many attending the protests said they could not trust China as it had often used non-political crimes to target government critics, and said they also feared Hong Kong officials would not be able to reject Beijing’s requests. Legal professionals have also expressed concern over the rights of those sent across the border to be tried. The conviction rate in Chinese courts is as high as 99%. Arbitrary detentions, torture and denial of legal representation of one’s choosing are also common.
Lily Kuo in Beijing and Verna Yu in Hong KongLily Kuo in Beijing and Verna Yu in Hong Kong
Police chief, Stephen Lo, described the protest as a “riot situation” and claimed officers needed to protect themselves or “protesters would have used metal bars to stab our colleagues”.
The mass gatherings began on Sunday with a march that drew hundreds of thousands of people and have remained largely non-violent.
Asked if the police would ask the Chinese army to help, Lo said: “Definitely not, at this stage.”
Hong Kong protest: police fire teargas at demonstrators – live
Beijing reiterated its support for the extradition law at a press briefing and called rumours that the government would call in the Chinese military to clear protests “misinformation”.
On the streets of Hong Kong, police held up black banners warning they were prepared to use force.Water cannon was also used against the crowd earlier in the day. Many demonstrators wore white face masks and hard hats to protect themselves.
“The government just wants to scare the young people [by shooting teargas],” a protester, Wong Shan, 80, said. “Some police were even holding rifles. Unlike the 1967 riot, nobody is wrecking shops. They are just voicing their opinions,” she added, referring to riots against British rule in the former colony.
“Hong Kong has become a dangerous place,” said Freeman Yim, 36, a construction worker. “You can just imagine what Hong Kong will become once the law comes in. Everyone has come out, whatever sector they belong to.”
The Hong Kong legislature’s chair, Andrew Leung, planned to limit debate on the extradition bill to 61 hours, meaning it could be put to a vote on 20 June. The chamber is dominated by pro-Beijing politicians, making it almost certain the bill would pass.
Protesters fear civil rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, made after Britain returned the colony to China in 1997, will be quickly eroded under the new law. China often uses non-political crimes to prosecute its critics.
The UK prime minister, Theresa May, said it was vital that any new extradition treaty would not violate rights agreed after the British withdrawal, which allowed the territory to maintain a semi-independent local government.
“We are concerned about the potential effects of these proposals, particularly obviously given the large number of British citizens there are in Hong Kong,” she said.
One protester, a 55-year-old lab technician who gave his name only as Chan, said: “I am here for Hong Kong, for our next generation.
What are the Hong Kong protests about?
“We don’t trust China. Rules and laws can be arbitrarily applied and we can see this in Hong Kong already,” he said, citing the recent disqualifications of pro-democracy lawmakers and jailing of the leaders of the 2014 Occupy Central movement.
Observers have started to call this week’s demonstrations “Occupy 2.0”, a reference to 79 days of demonstrations that paralysed the city in 2014, also known as the “umbrella movement”. On Wednesday, protesters built barricades and transported supplies to the front lines of the protests, including umbrellas to defend against pepper spray used by police.
1 July 1997: Hong Kong, previously a British colony, is returned to China under the framework of "one country, two systems". The "Basic Law" constitution guarantees to protect, for the next 50 years, the democratic institutions that make Hong Kong distinct from Communist-ruled mainland China. 
2003: Hong Kong's leaders introduce legislation that would forbid acts of treason and subversion against the Chinese government. The bill resembles laws used to charge dissidents on the mainland. An estimated half a million people turn out to protest against the bill. As a result of the backlash, further action on the proposal is halted. 
2007: The Basic Law stated that the ultimate aim was for Hong Kong's voters to achieve a complete democracy, but China decides in 2007 that universal suffrage in elections for the chief executive cannot be implemented until 2017. Some lawmakers are chosen by business and trade groups, while others are elected by vote. In a bid to accelerate a decision on universal suffrage, five lawmakers resign. But this act is followed by the adoption of the Beijing-backed electoral changes, which expand the chief executive's selection committee and add more seats for lawmakers elected by direct vote. The legislation divides Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp, as some support the reforms while others say they will only delay full democracy while reinforcing a structure that favors Beijing. 
2014: The Chinese government introduces a bill allowing Hong Kong residents to vote for their leader in 2017, but with one major caveat: the candidates must be approved by Beijing. Pro-democracy lawmakers are incensed by the bill, which they call an example of "fake universal suffrage" and "fake democracy". The move triggers a massive protest as crowds occupy some of Hong Kong's most crowded districts for 70 days. In June 2015, Hong Kong legislators formally reject the bill, and electoral reform stalls. The current chief executive, Carrie Lam, widely seen as the Chinese Communist Party's favored candidate, is hand-picked in 2017 by a 1,200-person committee dominated by pro-Beijing elites. 
2019: Lam pushes amendments to extradition laws that would allow people to be sent to mainland China to face charges. The proposed legislation triggers a huge protest, with organizers putting the turnout at 1 million, and a standoff that forces the legislature to postpone debate on the bills. 
Holding up a sign that read: “scrap China extradition bill”, pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said to a cheering crowd: “At the end of the Umbrella Movement didn’t we say we would be back? Now we are back!”Holding up a sign that read: “scrap China extradition bill”, pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said to a cheering crowd: “At the end of the Umbrella Movement didn’t we say we would be back? Now we are back!”
The latest demonstrations began on Tuesday night after an online petition called for 50,000 people to gather from 10pm on Tuesday. Protesters planned to stage the overnight demonstration outside the legislative council in Admiralty district but authorities closed the designated protest area and part of Tamar Park, outside the legislative council, due to the “high risk” it could be stormed by protesters on Wednesday. The latest demonstrations began on Tuesday night after an online petition called for 50,000 people to gather from 10pm on Tuesday. Many camped overnight.
Protesters instead filled the surrounding streets, with many camping overnight. More than 100 businesses closed on Wednesday, and thousands of parents and teachers called for a boycott of work and classes to show their opposition to the proposed bill, which would allow mainland China to pursue fugitives in the former British colony. Hundreds of businesses closed on Wednesday, and thousands of parents and teachers called for a boycott of work and classes to show their opposition to the proposed bill.
Protester Grace Chan, 30, who has a two-year-old, said: “I don’t want my kid to grow up in a place where we have no sense of security. Although they say the law is for going after fugitives, it can be so easily used for political purpose.”
Earlier, police searched cars and bicycles and surrounded protesters as the sounds of the hymn Sing Alleluia to the Lord wafted through the air, sung by a group in the crowd.
Demonstrators at a nearby underground station argued with police who were searching bags and checking the IDs of those attempting to reach the protests. A crowd gathered and chanted slogans calling on the police to leave.
Footage taken by Verna Yu of the fresh protests outside LegCo in Hong Kong over the extradition bill pic.twitter.com/Oi76FxJzHSFootage taken by Verna Yu of the fresh protests outside LegCo in Hong Kong over the extradition bill pic.twitter.com/Oi76FxJzHS
Unions as well as groups representing parents and teachers called for a boycott and student unions of seven universities and colleges also said they would boycott classes. Several churches said they would hold meetings to pray for the city’s leadership and peace for Hong Kong. Student unions of seven universities and colleges also said they would boycott classes. Several churches said they would hold meetings to pray for the city’s leadership and peace for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong aviation industry gathered 1,700 employees’ signatures to demand its union initiate a strike while the union of the New World First Bus company condemned the government for ignoring citizens’ voices and urged drivers to drive slowly on Wednesday. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, which has 190,000 members, also urged its members to stay off work for the day.The Hong Kong aviation industry gathered 1,700 employees’ signatures to demand its union initiate a strike while the union of the New World First Bus company condemned the government for ignoring citizens’ voices and urged drivers to drive slowly on Wednesday. The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, which has 190,000 members, also urged its members to stay off work for the day.
Protesters have expressed concerns that the civil rights and freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong under the “one country, two systems” arrangement will be quickly eroded under the new law as China often uses non-political crimes to prosecute its critics. Despite the outpouring of opposition Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said she remained determined to pass the law.
Despite the outpouring of opposition, including a march on Sunday that drew hundreds of thousands of people, Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, said she remained determined to pass the law. In a tearful Wednesday morning interview, Lam denied she was “selling out Hong Kong” to Beijing, as protesters have claimed. “I have grown up here with all the Hong Kong people,” she told broadcaster TVB. “My love for this place has led me to make many personal sacrifices.”
“To oppose this bill, some have called for radical actions,” Lam said in a media briefing, referring to clashes between protesters and police outside the legislature shortly after midnight on Monday, after a largely peaceful, nine-hour protest. Official Chinese media did not report on the protests on Wednesday and mentions of the protests were scrubbed from Chinese social media platforms. The search term “Let’s go, Hong Kong” or Xianggang jiayou was blocked on the microblog, Weibo.
In a tearful Wednesday morning interview, Lam denied she was “selling out Hong Kong” to Beijing, as protesters have claimed.
“I have grown up here with all the Hong Kong people,” she told broadcaster TVB. “My love for this place has led me to make many personal sacrifices.”
Official Chinese media did not report on the protests on Wednesday and mentions of the protests were scrubbed from Chinese social media platforms. Screenshots of foreign news reports of the protests were deleted from the discussion forum Douban and the search term “Let’s go, Hong Kong” or Xianggang jiayou was blocked on the microblog, Weibo.
Hong Kong protests – in picturesHong Kong protests – in pictures
The legislative body is dominated by pro-Beijing politicians, making it almost certain the bill will pass. Supporters of the bill stressed it would apply only to those involved in serious crimes, while Beijing has claimed that opposition leaders and “foreign forces” had misled the public. Supporters of the bill stressed it would apply only to those involved in serious crimes, while Beijing has claimed that opposition leaders and “foreign forces” had misled the public.
Observers worry about further protests and public anger if the bill is put to a vote. Dennis Kwok, lawmaker with the Civic party, said: “If the bill is put to vote, it will be passed. If Hong Kong people’s peaceful voices are neglected, I cannot imagine how they would channel their anger and disappointment in the Hong Kong and Central governments.”Observers worry about further protests and public anger if the bill is put to a vote. Dennis Kwok, lawmaker with the Civic party, said: “If the bill is put to vote, it will be passed. If Hong Kong people’s peaceful voices are neglected, I cannot imagine how they would channel their anger and disappointment in the Hong Kong and Central governments.”
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this reportThe Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
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