Hong Kong protests continue, more arrests made

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - After mass demonstrations on Sunday against the proposed changes to extradition bill in Hong Kong, police have arrested six persons, local media reported Monday.

Tens of hundreds of people marched against the bill on Hong Kong streets yesterday towards Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link which connects the autonomous region with Beijing.

Police used force as clashes broke out late Sunday after the security forces attempted to clear lanes in the area. Protesters were demanding complete withdrawal of the bill, dropping charges against protesters.

A statement released by Hong Kong police, according to Hong Kong Free Press online newspaper, said that six persons including those accused of “assaulting and obstructing officers” in the process and one who “failed to produce proof of identity” were arrested.

“After repeated but futile warnings, police took actions to disperse the protesters around 11 p.m. (local time) [1500GMT]. During the process, some protesters resisted and police arrested five persons for assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer in the execution of duties,” the police statement said, adding that 56,000 people participated in the protests.

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.

At present, the region has extradition treaty with 20 countries including the U.S. and New Zealand.

Millions of people have held marches to stop government from doing so. Under pressure from public, the government on June 15 postponed reading of the bill in its legislative council.

Previously, police arrested at least 13 protesters on several charges.

The month-long protests have triggered concerns among the political parties with leaders of the pro-business Liberal Party urging its representative in the Hong Kong government’s top advisory body to step down.

Tommy Cheung, who represents the party in Executive Council, has been alleged to have failed to reflect “accurate public opinion to the government”.

“We the Liberal Party should act as a party within the pro-establishment camp monitoring the government. We cannot just throw our support at the government right after a million people marched. I think Tommy Cheung should consider resigning from the ExCo,” the online newspaper quoted Honorary chair of the party James Tien as having said.

Sunday’s police action also invited criticism from the local media bodies.

A joint statement released by Hong Kong Journalists Association and the Hong Kong Press Photographers Association said that police used their shields to push journalists and their cameras multiple times.

“Some also shouted at and assaulted reporters,” they alleged.