Another weekend in Hong Kong: chaos, tear gas and anger as protesters descend on Yuen Long
- Tens of thousands march through the northern town where an armed mob attacked anti-government demonstrators a week ago
- Tensions flared by late afternoon, and by nightfall a few hundred were still battling police at the train station
In the northern town of Yuen Long on Saturday, riot police used tear gas, sponge grenades, pepper spray and batons to drive back protesters, who responded with umbrellas, sticks and projectiles.
The latest rally came after an armed mob attacked anti-government protesters and passers-by in the area last weekend, injuring at least 45 people.
Saturday’s chaotic scenes – broadcast live around the world – lasted well into the night. As of 1am on Sunday, 23 people had been injured, with two in serious condition. Police also arrested a number of people.
The government released a statement just after midnight, strongly condemning the protesters for breaching the peace and breaking the law. It added that police would take serious action against violent protesters.
“The government deeply regrets that some people still took part in the public procession, and public meeting in Yuen Long, despite the prohibition and objection by the police,” the statement read.