Thousands of Hong Kong medical workers and supporters hold peaceful anti-police rally, as city marks second straight Saturday without widespread violence
- Doctors, nurses and health care workers gather in Chater Garden for approved protest themed ‘respect human rights, keep police powers in check’
- Volunteer first-aiders have been caught in the crossfire of clashes between officers and protesters
Thousands of medical professionals and their supporters held a peaceful rally in Hong Kong’s business district of Central, accusing police of brutalising protesters, as the city marked the second straight Saturday of anti-government demonstrations without widespread violence.
Doctors, nurses, health care workers and others gathered at Chater Garden at 6pm for the 3½-hour officially approved rally under the theme, “respect human rights, keep police powers in check”.
Organisers said 10,000 people showed up, but police said the turnout peaked at 2,300.
Participants were united in condemning the force, accusing police of inflicting “severe injuries” on protesters, but pledged to maintain their professionalism and treat all patients equally, regardless of background and political persuasions.
This was the 21st consecutive weekend of demonstrations first sparked by the government’s now-withdrawn extradition bill, which would have allowed the transfers of criminal suspects to mainland China and other jurisdictions.
