Buskers from Mong Kok driven out of Tsim Sha Tsui by angry Hong Kong protesters
Police have to escort trio, who set up near Star Ferry pier after closure of pedestrian zone for street performers earlier this month
Three street performers had to be taken away by police from Hong Kong’s Star Ferry pier on Saturday night after drawing dozens of protesters decrying their arrival.
At about 7pm, demonstrators with banners reading “Begging is illegal” went to the pier to drive away the performers, who used to ply the streets of Mong Kok. Three performers, including one middle-aged woman called Ling, were circled by protesters demanding they leave the Tsim Sha Tsui site.
Wayne Chan Ka-kui, convenor of pro-independence alliance Students Independence Union, which organised the protest, accused the performers of making excessive noise, illegal begging and occupying public space. He asked police to enforce the law.
He shouted slogans such as “Give me Star Ferry pier back” and “No bad-quality culture”. Protesters in the crowd occasionally echoed his chants.
The situation soon turned chaotic, both sides berating each other.
