Flash mobs break out in Hong Kong as anti-government protesters vent anger at police use of force
- Groups block major thoroughfares in Central financial district as office workers take to streets
Flash mobs appeared in two Hong Kong districts at lunchtime on Friday, as protesters occupied major thoroughfares to demonstrate against what they said was excessive use of force by police.
Thousands of office workers showed up in Chater Garden in Central – the city’s financial district – while scores of people turned up at Tsun Yip Street playground in Kowloon, with marchers in both locations.
In Central, a key part of Des Voeux Road Central outside the Landmark office complex was occupied by protesters as they marched west. In Kwun Tong, part of Tsun Yip Street was blocked by marchers at one stage.
At Chater Garden, police raised a flag to warn about 500 demonstrators they were breaking the law and could face prosecution before the march started around 1pm along Des Voeux Road Central.
The protesters turned around at the Hang Seng Bank headquarters, and dispersed after returning to Chater Garden shortly before 2pm.
Officers said the gathering was an illegal assembly and told protesters to remove their masks.