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Hong Kong riot police scatter protesters who shut down government offices Hong Kong riot police scatter protesters who shut down government offices
(about 2 hours later)
Hong Kong riot police armed with pepper spray and batons Monday scattered thousands of pro-democracy activists who had forced the temporary closure of government headquarters, defying orders to end their two-month stand-off with the government. BEIJING — After a fresh outbreak of violence between Hong Kong police and pro-democracy demonstrators, a Hong Kong court granted an injunction Monday that could set in motion another bid by authorities to clear parts of the main protest site.
Heated clashes erupted as Hong Kong commuters went to work after hundreds of protesters surrounded Admiralty Center, which houses government offices and retail outlets. The government’s central offices there, as well as dozens of shops, were forced to close in the morning. The court action spelled out some limits, such as requiring security forces to give 24-hours notice before moving against the protest encampment. But it reflects expanding efforts by officials to try to sweep away visible signs of most serious challenge to Beijing’s control in the former British colony.
Volunteer medics attended to the numerous injured among the protesters, many in protective goggles, wearing body armor and chanting “we want universal suffrage.” Protesters threw bottles, helmets and umbrellas at police, news reports said. But the protests, which began more than two months ago over election rules imposed by Beijing, have shown resilience despite the steady crackdowns and pressures.
Hong Kong’s embattled chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, told reporters police had so far been tolerant, but would now “enforce the law without hesitation” to end the protests that have paralyzed parts of the Asian financial hub since late September. The latest backlash came as thousands of pro-democracy activists tried to escalate surround government headquarters. Riot police, armed with pepper spray, batons and water cannons, moved in to scatter the demonstrators.
He called the protesters’ actions “not only illegal”, but also “in vain.” At least 40 were injured and 40 were arrested, according to authorities. Volunteer medics attended to the numerous injured among the protesters, many in protective goggles and wearing body armor.
“Some people have mistaken the police’s tolerance for weakness,” Leung told reporters. “I call for students who are planning to return to the occupation sites tonight not to do so.” He did not respond to a question asking if police would therefore move in soon. Police added that 17 officers were injured in the overnight clashes.
Later Monday, a Hong Kong court granted an injunction covering some parts of the main Admiralty protest site, laying the groundwork for possible police action in coming days. Under the injunction, the authorities will still have to give 24 hours notice before moving in to clear the site. By Monday evening, the protesters’ failed attempt to occupy new ground caused dissension at the main protest site, with some accusing student leaders of lacking a firm plan before trying to expand their occupation.
Student leader Alex Chow apologized to his fellow protesters, acknowledging student leaders should have been better prepared. But he blamed the injuries and violence on police, insisting protesters had remain peaceful.
Now, the next steps on both sides remained unclear.
Chow and other student leaders said they wanted to consult others in the pro-democracy movement before their next steps.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s embattled chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, told reporters that police had so far been tolerant, but would now “enforce the law without hesitation” to end the protests that have paralyzed parts of the Asian financial hub.
He called the protesters’ actions “not only illegal” but also “in vain.”
“Some people have mistaken the police’s tolerance for weakness,” Leung said. “I call for students who are planning to return to the occupation sites tonight not to do so.” He did not respond to a question asking if police would therefore move in soon.
The court injunction covers some but not all parts of the main protest site in Hong Kong’s Admiralty area.
The protesters are calling for free elections for Hong Kong’s next chief executive in 2017 rather than a choice between Beijing’s pre-screened candidates.The protesters are calling for free elections for Hong Kong’s next chief executive in 2017 rather than a choice between Beijing’s pre-screened candidates.
Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement represents the biggest challenge to China’s Communist party rule of the former British colony since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule under the so-called “one country, two systems” formula that gives the territory some independence from China, with only a later promise of full democracy. Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement represents the biggest challenge to China’s Communist party rule since Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. At the time, Hong Kong was incorporated under a so-called “one country, two systems” formula that gives the territory some independence from China, with only a later promise of full democracy.
The latest clashes came just after British lawmakers said they were told they would not be allowed to enter Hong Kong as part of an official government inquiry into the status of its former colony and its progress towards democracy. The latest clashes came just after British lawmakers said they were told they would not be allowed to enter Hong Kong as part of an official government inquiry into the status of the former colony and its progress towards democracy.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing had told Britain it was opposed to the inquiry and that as China had responsibility for Hong Kong’s foreign affairs, it had every right to decide who to let into the city, the Reuters news agency reported. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing had told Britain it was opposed to the inquiry and could decide who to let into the city.
The Hong Kong protests drew more than 100,000 on to the streets at their peak. Numbers have since dwindled and public support for the movement has waned. The Hong Kong protests has drawn tens of thousands daily since they began in late September. But in recent weeks, the numbers of protesters saying overnight have dwindled to hundreds as public support has waned.
The attempt to occupy new ground at the protest site Monday and the retreat in the face of police caused some dissension among protesters, with some accusing protest leaders of not having a firm plan in place for the action. Kris Cheng Lok-chit in Hong Kong contributed to this report. Deane reported from London.
Student leader Alex chow later apologized to his fellow protesters, acknowledging they should have been better prepared. He blamed the injuries and violence on police insisting protesters remain peaceful, however.