HONG KONG- The Hong Kong New Year’s Day protests started off as a peaceful pro-democracy march by tens of thousands but it advanced into a chaotic scene with 400 people being arrested and police firing tear gas to disperse the crowds.
This ups the arrest counts to 7,000 since the Hong Kong protests began in June over a now-withdrawn bill which would have allowed extradition to Mainland China. This escalation highlights the absence of an end to the unrest.
On Wednesday, the tensions rose after a few arrests were made in the Wan Chai bar district.
Black-clad protesters rushed to the scene as scuffles broke out and other protesters created a human chain to handover supplies like bricks which forced the police to request reinforcements.
The police then asked organisers to call off the march and the crowds dispersed as scores of police in riot gear and a water cannon truck began patrols from late evening.
Senior Superintendent NG Lok-Chun said that the arrests were made for offences like possession of offensive weapons and unlawful assembly.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.