Hong Kong police fires tear gas to disperse protesters

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators near the Chinese border, in the latest confrontation during a summer of pro-democracy protests in the financial hub. Police on Saturday fired tear gas and rubber bullets at small groups of protesters who had built barricades. Marchers converged on the town of Tuen Mun, in the west of the New Territories, where some set fire to a Chinese flag as others tore down wooden and metal fences and traffic bollards to build roadblocks, at least one of which was set alight. Multiple protesters were seen being arrested in the clashes, which were less sustained than the intense battles of previous weekends. The city has been convulsed by months of huge, sometimes violent rallies calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. The movement is the biggest challenge to China's rule since Hong Kong was handed back by Britain in 1997 and shows no sign of ending, with city leaders and Beijing taking a hard line. The protests began in opposition to proposed legislation that would have allowed the extradition of suspected criminals to China for trial. But they have since widened to include other demands such as an inquiry into alleged police brutality and the right to elect Hong Kong's through direct voting. The demonstrations have continued despite Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam's announcements earlier this month that the controversial extradition bill will be withdrawn. In the weekend street battles, police have used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons with growing frequency against protesters, who have hurled rocks, bottles and petrol bombs.

Hong Kong police fires tear gas to disperse protesters

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