Anatomy of a divided city: Hong Kong extradition protesters say frustration with government brought them to the streets
- Handover anniversary unfolded in a series of escalating clashes, outbursts and destruction
- ‘This government never responds to our demands – it’s shameless’, says protester
As a rule, July 1 in Hong Kong is a peaceful day, a time to celebrate the city’s freedoms on the anniversary of its return to Chinese rule in 1997. This time it was different.
Instead of calm demonstrations, Monday unfolded in a series of escalating clashes, outbursts and destruction. It was a day of anger and solidarity with an estimated 550,000 black-clad protesters taking to the streets to denounce the government.
The day of unrest began at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay, but its causes went back to the government’s now-suspended extradition bill – if not much further.
By late afternoon, hundreds of thousands of people – most dressed in black – were marching peacefully through Hong Kong streets.
Earlier, violent clashes had broken out between protesters and police. Throughout the day, meanwhile, radical demonstrators tried to swarm the Legislative Council, shattering glass doors and dismantling metal bars.
