Protesters outrage grew on the fifth anniversary of China’s decision against fully democratic elections in Hong Kong as a large fire blazed across the main street in Hong Kong on Saturday night where protesters gathered behind the fire, many also pointing laser beams.
Police had clearly denied permission for a march on Saturday but protesters took to the streets anyway. They provoked and encouraged the police repeatedly but retreated once riot officers moved in.
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A video from Hong Kong broadcaster TVB showed police on the platform of Prince Edward subway station swinging batons at passengers who backed into one end of a train car behind umbrellas. The video also shows pepper spray being shot through an open door at a group seated on the floor while one man holds up his hands.
Graphic footage from Sat night shows how #HongKong police stormed Prince Edward MTR station, beating people and making arrests on the platform and train. Video: Pakkin Leung, Rice Post.
Full story: https://t.co/7Z5quAbWGF #China #hongkongprotests #antiELAB @hkpoliceforce pic.twitter.com/gWoVrWRJ4H— Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) September 1, 2019
It is still unclear whether most of the passengers were protesters or not. Police claimed that they entered to make arrests after protesters started assaulting and damaging property inside the station.
The TVB video was shared online and is another example of police brutality against the crowds. Many gathered outside Prince Edward and nearby Mong Kok station, where police said they made arrests after protesters went out of control.
Protesters are demanding the full withdrawal of the Extradition Bill which would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China to stand trial as well as democratic elections.