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Hong Kong protests: Lennon Walls targeted in ‘clean-up operation’ by pro-government activists, MTR stations to close ahead of planned demonstrations

  • Pro-establishment groups launch clearances of messages posted around Hong Kong in support of anti-government movement
  • Rail operator announces closure of two stations ahead of demonstrations planned for Saturday

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A pro-Beijing supporter removes protest material from a Lennon Wall in a clean-up operation that passed off without major incident on Saturday morning. Photo: Reuters

Citywide clearances of “Lennon Walls” by pro-Beijing activists got off to a quiet start on Saturday morning, but Hong Kong’s rail operator announced it would close two stations in anticipation of more protest chaos.

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Groups of about 10 government supporters met a call from outspoken lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu to “clean walls and clean people’s hearts”, and appeared at sites across the city including Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok and Wan Chai.

Ho, a pro-establishment politician and a hate figure for anti-government protesters, announced that 63,000 volunteers would work at 83 locations across the city, but the turnout was much lower as of early on Saturday afternoon.

He dialled down his “Clean Up HK” campaign at about midnight by instructing participants not to clean up the Lennon Walls, and only to pick up rubbish in the streets.

Lawmaker Junius Ho poses with supporters he mobilised for the clean-up operation, in which some participants targeted so-called Lennon Walls on Saturday morning. Photo: Handout
Lawmaker Junius Ho poses with supporters he mobilised for the clean-up operation, in which some participants targeted so-called Lennon Walls on Saturday morning. Photo: Handout
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However, activists were seen in other parts of the city removing protest material from the walls, which host messages, pictures and art in support of the anti-government movement, sparked in June by an extradition bill.

Holding a broom, Ho showed up at about 8.45am in Yan Oi Town Square in Tuen Mun, where many of his supporters are based.

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