Hong Kong clashes as pro-democracy barriers are removed
- 10 years ago
Tensions have boiled over in Hong Kong after police began removing some of the barricades erected by pro-democracy protesters.
Hundreds of unidentified people, some wearing masks, then moved in to try to break down the barriers – clashing with demonstrators.
The police operation was said to be aimed at easing traffic flow and not removing protesters themselves.
But authorities have warned that the blockade in the Chinese-controlled city, now entering its third week, cannot last indefinitely.
The student-led protesters have been reinforcing their positions elsewhere in the former British colony.
They want Hong Kong’s Chief Executive to resign and for people to be given the right to vote for a leader of their choice in elections in 2017. China wants to select candidates for the poll.
Some students who had camped out for the night slept through the police operation – before things turned ugly.
Hundreds of unidentified people, some wearing masks, then moved in to try to break down the barriers – clashing with demonstrators.
The police operation was said to be aimed at easing traffic flow and not removing protesters themselves.
But authorities have warned that the blockade in the Chinese-controlled city, now entering its third week, cannot last indefinitely.
The student-led protesters have been reinforcing their positions elsewhere in the former British colony.
They want Hong Kong’s Chief Executive to resign and for people to be given the right to vote for a leader of their choice in elections in 2017. China wants to select candidates for the poll.
Some students who had camped out for the night slept through the police operation – before things turned ugly.