Thousands join Hong Kong rally to condemn crackdown on fundraising platform and call for sanctions against HSBC
- There were minor scuffles between protesters and riot police in Central before rally began
- Police have frozen about HK$70 million (US$9 million) raised by activists via Spark Alliance platform to support protesters, and arrested four people
Thousands gathered in downtown Hong Kong on Monday night for a rally to condemn a police crackdown on a major fundraising platform for anti-government protesters and to call for sanctions against HSBC, which shut down its account earlier.
Before the authorised rally began at 7pm in Central, there were minor scuffles between protesters and riot police at a nearby pedestrian underpass, when officers checked booths distributing masks to participants. As police left the scene, they were verbally abused by protesters.
The organiser estimated 45,000 joined the assembly in Edinburgh Place, near the bank’s Hong Kong headquarters. Police put the turnout at 3,300.
Officers suspect the funds were used for personal gain and other illegal activities, including participation rewards for young demonstrators.