UPDATE - Thousands gather for mass demonstrations in Hong Kong

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS, EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Tevfik Durul

ANKARA (AA) - Thousands of people gathered in Hong Kong on Sunday to protest against a proposed extradition law and police violence against demonstrators.

The march, organized by the Civilian Human Rights Front, one of the largest activist groups in the region, was attended by mostly young people.

The autonomous region, which is under China’s control since 1997, is witnessing protests since early June against the local government’s move to legalize extradition to mainland China, Macao and Taiwan.

Protesters chanting slogans "No to extradition to China", "Free Hong Kong", "Independent investigation into the police" and "Democracy now" rallied against the Beijing administration, which they accused of intervening in Hong Kong's autonomy.

At the end of the march, the activists gathered outside a police station and continued to chant slogans.

Security forces erected giant barriers and iron bars around the police station to prevent angry crowds from entering the premises.

Police also used tear gas and rubber bullets against the protesters.

The Civilian Human Rights Front claimed that some 430,000 people joined the protests, while police sources said the number was 138,000.

Denise Ho, an activist and artist in Hong Kong, told reporters prior to the demonstrations that the government should take the demands into consideration and should annul the extradition law.

She also called for an independent investigation into the police violence against the protesters.

In a show of strength, pro-government protesters in Hong Kong on Saturday gathered in front of the city center holding demonstrations against activist groups.

*Writing by Sena Guler and Dilara Hamit