Hong Kong: Thousands of pro-democracy protesters defied a police ban on rallying in Hong Kong on Saturday, a day after several leading activists and lawmakers were arrested in a sweeping crackdown.
Police banned a planned demonstration on security grounds after last weekend saw some of the most violent clashes in three months of political turmoil but nevertheless warned residents to expect “severe disruption”.
Police erected fresh barricades near the highly guarded Liason Office — the department that represents China’s government — and water cannon were driven onto the streets in anticipation of renewed clashes.
A few thousand protesters in black t-shirts filled an outdoor sports ground in the city centre, with some marching through surrounding streets. To sidestep the protest ban, crowds carried crosses and sang “hallelujah” after calling on protesters to form religious gatherings, that do not require the stringent permission from authorities. The now-cancelled agitation was to mark the fifth anniversary of Beijing’s rejection of a call for universal suffrage in Hong Kong. EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the developments were worrying”.
