Protesters clashed with police in Hong Kong over proposed extradition laws many believe represent China’s creeping authoritarian influence over the autonomous territory.
Tens of thousands of protesters, mostly college-aged, poured into the open areas around the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. The government body is considering passing laws that would allow Chinese officials to extradite suspected criminals to mainland China.
Chinese officials say the law would only by used on criminals, but Hongkongers suspect that Chinese President Xi Jinping will use the codes to crack down on political enemies.
Protesters trying to stop the legislative process clashed with police numerous times on Wednesday, resulting in at least 22 injuries. Protesters threw bottles and rocks while police fought to tamp down the protests and sometimes clear the streets, using batons, pepper spray, and rubber bullets.
Videos of the violence circulated on Twitter.
Violent clashes between police and demonstrators marred protests in Hong Kong, as tens of thousands took to the streets again on Wednesday against a proposed extradition law. https://t.co/fpKl8rH1bn #extraditionbill pic.twitter.com/bIjHvK9gOo
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) June 12, 2019
Just in 22:10 : ten police cars, with flashing red lights and alarms on, charged towards Wan Chai. Protesters ran as they saw the whole parade of cars. #HongKong #ExtradtionBill pic.twitter.com/xlMxh3cetA
— Kinling Lo 盧建靈 (@kinlinglo) June 12, 2019
Tear gas, pepper spray, and utter chaos. The protest in Hong Kong turns violent. https://t.co/fpKl8rYCzX #extraditionbill pic.twitter.com/8ccYnBQtYZ
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) June 12, 2019
Hong Kong police chief declared the clashes a “disturbance”. He said: “We had no choice but to use weapons to stop these protesters from barging at our defence lines.” https://t.co/fpKl8rYCzX #extraditionbill pic.twitter.com/f7zOkvWwhf
— SCMP News (@SCMPNews) June 12, 2019
