Clashes flared once again between protesters and local police in Hong Kong on Oct. 27.
Police made arrests before a rally was set to kick off, and firing tear gas and other crowd control weapons at protesters to disperse them.
The protests mark the 21st consecutive weekend of unrest stemming from opposition to an extradition bill, which was shelved following public pressure. Protesters have since expanded their demands to include universal suffrage in city elections and accountability for police use of force.
Arrests
Thousands gathered at the Salisbury Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui for a rally to show solidarity with local Muslims and journalists. People could be heard shouting slogans such as “five demands, not one less” and “Hongkongers, resist.”Before the start of the rally, Hong Kong media reported that water cannon and armored vehicles were on standby at the Civil Aid Services Headquarters, which is about 1.7 miles away from Salisbury Garden.
Before 3 p.m. local time, large number of police had gathered at a local cultural center, which is about 5-minute walking distance from the Garden. At nearby areas, other police officers were spotted pulling locals over to check their bags and pulling cars over for an inspection.
Dispersal
Around 3 p.m., as the rally was about to start, police started to disperse people by using pepper spray and swinging their batons. Local media reported that the rally organizer did not seek police approval for the assembly.At around 3:40 p.m., police began firing tear gas and pepper spray at protesters who were outside Salisbury Garden. Many did not wear gas masks or other protective equipment. The event was unable to proceed.
Police continued to fire tear gas at crowds in nearby streets after protesters began taking up other areas upon leaving Salisbury Garden.
Right before 6 p.m., police started to use its water cannon to disperse people. In contrast to the blue dye water that police have used before, this vehicle fired colorless water. Protesters said that the colorless water had the same smell as the blue dye. They and others who have been sprayed by police water cannon say they have skin irritation and other physical discomfort.
The station was shut down at around 7 p.m. local time, after some protesters threw petrol bombs at one of the entrances.
At about 9:30 p.m., police fired a tear gas canister into a pharmacy in the Yau Ma Tei neighborhood, injuring a woman who was inside.
Journalists
Sunday’s rally was in support of journalists, but several were harassed injured by police that day.At about 6:50 p.m., a reporter fainted on the ground after being hit by a tear gas canister in Mong Kok. Protesters nearby chastised the police for targeting the press.
At Sai Yeung Choi Street South, police forced several reporters to took off their protective masks, though riot police were still firing tear gas nearby—violating the government’s promise to give journalists an exception to the recent mask ban, due to their occupation.
