Hong Kong in Chaos: Molotovs, Teargas, and Water Cannons
- RT
Hong Kong streets descended into chaotic scenes following an unauthorized rally on Sunday. Protesters tossed firebombs and took their anger out on shops with mainland Chinese ties as they skirmished late into the evening with riot police, who unleashed numerous tear gas rounds on short notice, angering residents and passers-by. Authorities had beefed up security measures ahead of the rally, for which they refused to give permission, the latest chapter in the unrest that has disrupted life in the financial hub since early June. Some 24 people were hurt and taken to hospital for treatment, including six with serious injuries, the Hospital Authority said. Police did not give an arrest figure. Many protesters wore masks in defiance of a recently introduced ban on face coverings at public gatherings, and volunteers handed more out to the crowd. Some front-line protesters barricaded streets at multiple locations in Kowloon, where the city’s subway operator restricted passenger access. Protesters trashed discount grocery shops and a restaurant chain because of what they say is the pro-Beijing ownership of the companies. They also set fire to ATMs and branches of mainland Chinese banks, as well as a shop selling products from Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi. A water cannon truck sprayed a stinging blue-dyed liquid as police moved to clear roads of protesters.