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THE BUILD-UP

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Protesters threatened to kill themselves in the lobby of Immigration Tower just six days before last night's violence in what was the latest of a long series of showdowns between the authorities and mainlanders seeking right of abode.

Immigration Tower in Wan Chai and the Central Government Offices have become virtual battlefields as frustration over the 19-month saga reached boiling point.

Police have used pepper spray while angry demonstrators have waded into police lines wielding bamboo poles and hurling flower pots in violent scenes broadcast around the world.

Last Thursday 10 mainland overstayers claiming the right of abode clashed with immigration officers at Immigration Tower after being refused a meeting with officials. They demanded to meet officials and to be issued with identity cards that would enable them to apply for welfare payments. During the scuffle, some of the mainlanders threatened to commit suicide.

One of the most turbulent scenes took place on June 26 when 12 abode protesters were injured as officers removed them from outside the Central Government Offices. Police were accused of using excessive force.

The early morning clash took place shortly before Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and other officials arrived for work. Police used pepper spray and allegedly punched and bit demonstrators who had spent the night outside the Court of Final Appeal near the offices to protest about the abode issue.

Six abode-seekers and six members of the Hong Kong Federation of Students were injured during scuffles with dozens of police officers. Four protesters said pepper was sprayed in their faces, while another said he was punched.

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