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| Hong Kong: Clashes as first charges brought under face mask ban law | Hong Kong: Clashes as first charges brought under face mask ban law |
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| Crowds clashed with police across Hong Kong in the fourth day of protests against an anti-mask law that the government claimed was needed to stop violence but critics say is a dangerous assault on civil rights. | Crowds clashed with police across Hong Kong in the fourth day of protests against an anti-mask law that the government claimed was needed to stop violence but critics say is a dangerous assault on civil rights. |
| Hong Kong authorities brought the first charges under a new anti-mask law earlier on Monday, as the city slowly recovered from a weekend of protests against the ban that turned violent, leaving a trail of destruction and shuttered metro stations. | Hong Kong authorities brought the first charges under a new anti-mask law earlier on Monday, as the city slowly recovered from a weekend of protests against the ban that turned violent, leaving a trail of destruction and shuttered metro stations. |
| The government insisted the prohibition – unveiled on Friday and brought into effect overnight using sweeping colonial-era powers – was needed to end four months of protests, but instead it has only inflamed tensions across the city. | The government insisted the prohibition – unveiled on Friday and brought into effect overnight using sweeping colonial-era powers – was needed to end four months of protests, but instead it has only inflamed tensions across the city. |
| A battle for the soul of the city: why violence has spiralled in the Hong Kong protests | A battle for the soul of the city: why violence has spiralled in the Hong Kong protests |
| Later riot police used tear gas on protestors in at least three areas and also arrested demonstrators in several other parts of the city. | Later riot police used tear gas on protestors in at least three areas and also arrested demonstrators in several other parts of the city. |
| In Kowloon, police fires several rounds of tear gas, and played cat and mouse up and down Nathan Road with protestors shouting insults and protest slogans. | In Kowloon, police fires several rounds of tear gas, and played cat and mouse up and down Nathan Road with protestors shouting insults and protest slogans. |
| A new Hong Kong extradition law is proposed, which would allow people to be transferred to mainland China for a variety of crimes. Residents fear it could lead to politically motivated extraditions into China's much harsher judicial system. | A new Hong Kong extradition law is proposed, which would allow people to be transferred to mainland China for a variety of crimes. Residents fear it could lead to politically motivated extraditions into China's much harsher judicial system. |
| Large public demonstrations start as thousands march in the streets to protest against the extradition bill. | Large public demonstrations start as thousands march in the streets to protest against the extradition bill. |
| Hong Kong lawmakers scuffle in parliament during a row over the law. | Hong Kong lawmakers scuffle in parliament during a row over the law. |
| Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, introduces concessions to the extradition bill, including limiting the scope of extraditable offences, but critics say they are not enough. | Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, introduces concessions to the extradition bill, including limiting the scope of extraditable offences, but critics say they are not enough. |
| The scale of protests continues to increase as more than half a million people take to the streets. Police use rubber bullets and teargas against the biggest protests Hong Kong has seen for decades. | The scale of protests continues to increase as more than half a million people take to the streets. Police use rubber bullets and teargas against the biggest protests Hong Kong has seen for decades. |
| Lam says the proposed extradition law has been postponed indefinitely. | Lam says the proposed extradition law has been postponed indefinitely. |
| The protests continue as demonstrators storm the Legislative Council, destroying pictures, daubing graffiti on the walls and flying the old flag of Hong Kong emblazoned with the British union flag. The protests coincide with the 22nd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the UK back to China. | The protests continue as demonstrators storm the Legislative Council, destroying pictures, daubing graffiti on the walls and flying the old flag of Hong Kong emblazoned with the British union flag. The protests coincide with the 22nd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the UK back to China. |
| Armed men in white T-shirts thought to be supporting the Chinese government attack passengers and passers-by in Yuen Long metro station, while nearby police take no action. | Armed men in white T-shirts thought to be supporting the Chinese government attack passengers and passers-by in Yuen Long metro station, while nearby police take no action. |
| 44 protesters are charged with rioting, which further antagonises the anti-extradition bill movement. | 44 protesters are charged with rioting, which further antagonises the anti-extradition bill movement. |
| By now the protest movement has coalesced around five key demands: complete withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill, withdrawal of the use of the word "riot" in relation to the protests, unconditional release of arrested protesters and charges against them dropped, an independent inquiry into police behaviour and the implementation of genuine universal suffrage. | By now the protest movement has coalesced around five key demands: complete withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill, withdrawal of the use of the word "riot" in relation to the protests, unconditional release of arrested protesters and charges against them dropped, an independent inquiry into police behaviour and the implementation of genuine universal suffrage. |
| The mass protests enter their fifteenth week, with police resorting to teargas and water cannon against the demonstrators, and a wave of "doxxing" using digital techniques to unmask police and protesters as a new front in the battle. | The mass protests enter their fifteenth week, with police resorting to teargas and water cannon against the demonstrators, and a wave of "doxxing" using digital techniques to unmask police and protesters as a new front in the battle. |
| Police shoot a protester with live ammunition for the first time, as demonstrations continue on the day marking the 70th anniversary of the declaration of the People's Republic of China. | Police shoot a protester with live ammunition for the first time, as demonstrations continue on the day marking the 70th anniversary of the declaration of the People's Republic of China. |
| The first charges are brought against protesters for covering their faces, after authorities bring in new laws banning face masks in order to make it easier to identify or detain protesters. | The first charges are brought against protesters for covering their faces, after authorities bring in new laws banning face masks in order to make it easier to identify or detain protesters. |
| Hong Kong officials spark outrage in the city as it revealed that nearly a third of protesters arrested since June have been children. Seven hundred and 50 out of the 2,379 people arrested were under 18, and 104 were under 16. | Hong Kong officials spark outrage in the city as it revealed that nearly a third of protesters arrested since June have been children. Seven hundred and 50 out of the 2,379 people arrested were under 18, and 104 were under 16. |
| Lam is forced to deliver a key annual policy speech via video link after after being heckled in parliament, as the legislative council resumed sessions after it was suspended on 12 June. Later in the day one of the protest leaders, Jimmy Sham, was attacked by assailants wielding hammers and knives. | Lam is forced to deliver a key annual policy speech via video link after after being heckled in parliament, as the legislative council resumed sessions after it was suspended on 12 June. Later in the day one of the protest leaders, Jimmy Sham, was attacked by assailants wielding hammers and knives. |
| Chan Tong-kai, the murder suspect whose case prompted the original extradition bill is released from prison, saying that he is willing to surrender himself to Taiwan. The extradition bill is also formally withdrawn, a key demand of protesters. | |
| “At this stage we don’t feel any hope,” said one demonstrator, who asked not to be named. “We can’t do anything against the police, and obviously the laws no longer work here. Still every time I think of the other protestors who have been injured or arrested, I feel we have no right to give up.” | “At this stage we don’t feel any hope,” said one demonstrator, who asked not to be named. “We can’t do anything against the police, and obviously the laws no longer work here. Still every time I think of the other protestors who have been injured or arrested, I feel we have no right to give up.” |
| A man and a woman arrested on Sunday evening were charged with illegally covering their faces on Monday morning, the first time the law has been used; the courtroom was filled with many supporters who were wearing face masks themselves. | A man and a woman arrested on Sunday evening were charged with illegally covering their faces on Monday morning, the first time the law has been used; the courtroom was filled with many supporters who were wearing face masks themselves. |
| The mask ban was brought in under the colonial-era emergency regulations ordinance, which gives Chief Executive Carrie Lam virtually unlimited power. | The mask ban was brought in under the colonial-era emergency regulations ordinance, which gives Chief Executive Carrie Lam virtually unlimited power. |
| The emergency powers have not been used for over half a century, and never since the handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Critics say that their use is unjustified, and a first step towards authoritarianism. Lam has hinted that she might use it to roll out harsher measures including a curfew if protests continue. | The emergency powers have not been used for over half a century, and never since the handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. Critics say that their use is unjustified, and a first step towards authoritarianism. Lam has hinted that she might use it to roll out harsher measures including a curfew if protests continue. |
| Hong Kong protesters defy the mask ban – in pictures | Hong Kong protesters defy the mask ban – in pictures |
| Parts of the city’s metro was shut down on Monday, a public holiday in Hong Kong, after stations were damaged. Protesters are angry both that authorities have started closing parts of the MTR network prevent people gathering for protests or dispersing afterwards, and also that police have attacked protesters in stations. | Parts of the city’s metro was shut down on Monday, a public holiday in Hong Kong, after stations were damaged. Protesters are angry both that authorities have started closing parts of the MTR network prevent people gathering for protests or dispersing afterwards, and also that police have attacked protesters in stations. |
| Authorities said the entire network will shut four hours early at 6pm, to allow for repairs. With more protests planned for the evening, that will also make it harder for demonstrators to cross the city. | Authorities said the entire network will shut four hours early at 6pm, to allow for repairs. With more protests planned for the evening, that will also make it harder for demonstrators to cross the city. |
| There is also widespread popular anger at police pursuing protestors through public spaces including shopping centres and train stations. A video shared on Twitter showed guards in one shopping mall desperately trying to hold the doors closed against police, who eventually burst through. | There is also widespread popular anger at police pursuing protestors through public spaces including shopping centres and train stations. A video shared on Twitter showed guards in one shopping mall desperately trying to hold the doors closed against police, who eventually burst through. |
| Hong Kong’s last governor Chris Patten joined attacks on Lam for her government’s heavy-handed approach, warning that the situation was likely to escalate further unless she started negotiations with protesters. | Hong Kong’s last governor Chris Patten joined attacks on Lam for her government’s heavy-handed approach, warning that the situation was likely to escalate further unless she started negotiations with protesters. |
| “The way forward is to engage with the demonstrators, particularly the peaceful demonstrators,” he told Sky news, highlighting two incidents in which teenagers were seriously injured by armed police. | “The way forward is to engage with the demonstrators, particularly the peaceful demonstrators,” he told Sky news, highlighting two incidents in which teenagers were seriously injured by armed police. |
| “Before long, unless we’re very, very lucky, people are going to get killed, people are going to get shot. The idea that with public order policing, you send police forces out with live bullets, with live ammunition, is preposterous,” | “Before long, unless we’re very, very lucky, people are going to get killed, people are going to get shot. The idea that with public order policing, you send police forces out with live bullets, with live ammunition, is preposterous,” |
| Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, has said her government will formally withdraw the bill that ignited months of protests. Hong Kong residents had feared it could be used by China to extradite people for political reasons. They want guarantees that it cannot be reintroduced at a later date. | Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, has said her government will formally withdraw the bill that ignited months of protests. Hong Kong residents had feared it could be used by China to extradite people for political reasons. They want guarantees that it cannot be reintroduced at a later date. |
| Protesters want the government to officially recognise that their movement has been a series of legitimate protests, rather than a riot, as has been stated in official communications. | Protesters want the government to officially recognise that their movement has been a series of legitimate protests, rather than a riot, as has been stated in official communications. |
| Hundreds of people have been arrested in recent weeks, and the protesters are demanding that all of them be freed, and that no convictions should stand against any of them. | Hundreds of people have been arrested in recent weeks, and the protesters are demanding that all of them be freed, and that no convictions should stand against any of them. |
| Police use of force has escalated since the demonstrations began, while protesters have also resorted to increasingly violent measures. Demonstrators say an inquiry into police brutality is the number-one priority. | Police use of force has escalated since the demonstrations began, while protesters have also resorted to increasingly violent measures. Demonstrators say an inquiry into police brutality is the number-one priority. |
| Hong Kong's chief executive is currently selected by a 1,200-member committee, and nearly half of the 70 legislative council seats are filled by limited electorates representing different sectors of the economy. The protesters want to be able to vote for their leaders in free and open democratic elections. | Hong Kong's chief executive is currently selected by a 1,200-member committee, and nearly half of the 70 legislative council seats are filled by limited electorates representing different sectors of the economy. The protesters want to be able to vote for their leaders in free and open democratic elections. |
| China’s Hong Kong military garrison also warned protesters on Sunday they could be arrested for targeting its barracks with laser lights, the first direct interaction between the People’s Liberation Army and demonstrators. | China’s Hong Kong military garrison also warned protesters on Sunday they could be arrested for targeting its barracks with laser lights, the first direct interaction between the People’s Liberation Army and demonstrators. |
| Adding to concerns about a crack down on civil liberties, the city’s education bureau has also told schools they must provide details of how many students boycott classes, wear masks for political reasons, or take part in other protest activities, the South China Morning Post reported. | Adding to concerns about a crack down on civil liberties, the city’s education bureau has also told schools they must provide details of how many students boycott classes, wear masks for political reasons, or take part in other protest activities, the South China Morning Post reported. |
| A Whatsapp message asked for the information by 11am on Tuesday, and also asked principals to take note of any “special incidents”, and record any students taking “abnormal leave”. Lawmaker and vice-president of the Professional Teachers’ Union Ip Kin-yuen attacked the “totally unnecessary” directive. | A Whatsapp message asked for the information by 11am on Tuesday, and also asked principals to take note of any “special incidents”, and record any students taking “abnormal leave”. Lawmaker and vice-president of the Professional Teachers’ Union Ip Kin-yuen attacked the “totally unnecessary” directive. |
| “What does the bureau really want to achieve by collecting such figures?” he told the paper. “And what if some of the non-cooperation movements happened solely outside school, should these events be reported as well?” | “What does the bureau really want to achieve by collecting such figures?” he told the paper. “And what if some of the non-cooperation movements happened solely outside school, should these events be reported as well?” |
| There were also fresh attacks on media freedoms Sunday, with police beating up one reporter and forcing another to remove his gas mask, even though the law protects the right to be masked for professional reasons. Protesters also hit a journalist with a molotov cocktail when trying to target police. | There were also fresh attacks on media freedoms Sunday, with police beating up one reporter and forcing another to remove his gas mask, even though the law protects the right to be masked for professional reasons. Protesters also hit a journalist with a molotov cocktail when trying to target police. |
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