Pro-democracy protests expand in Hong Kong

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By KELVIN CHAN

HONG KONG (AP) — Pro-democracy protests expanded in Hong Kong on Monday, a day after demonstrators upset over Beijing's decision to limit political reforms defied onslaughts of tear gas and appeals from Hong Kong's top leader to go home.

And with rumors swirling, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying reassured the public that speculation that the Chinese army might intervene was untrue.

"I hope the public will keep calm. Don't be misled by the rumors. Police will strive to maintain social order, including ensuring smooth traffic and ensuring the public safety," said the Beijing-backed Leung, who is deeply unpopular. He added, "When they carry out their duties, they will use their maximum discretion."

The city's transport department said that besides road closures in areas such as Causeway Bay, Wan Chai and Admiralty — where the protests have been focused — main roads have also been blocked by demonstrators in Mong Kok.

FULL story at link.



Riot police use tear gas against protesters after thousands of people blocked a main road at the financial central district in Hong Kong, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. Authorities launched their crackdown after the protest spiraled into an extraordinary scene of chaos as the crowd jammed a busy road and clashed with officers wielding pepper spray. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140929/as--hong_kong-democracy_protest-c45bb76bf2.html

[Scootaloo]

1. What, no drum circles and puppet shows?

[Exultant Democracy]

2. I'm sure they are wiggilinh their fingers in the air at each other.

[alp227]

3. NY Times: Crackdown on Protests by Hong Kong Police Draws More to the Streets

HONG KONG — Downtown Hong Kong turned into a battlefield of tear gas and seething crowds on Sunday after the police moved against a student democracy protest, inciting public fury that brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets of a city long known as a stable financial center.

Hours after the riot police sought late Sunday to break up the protest, large crowds of demonstrators remained nearby, sometimes confronting lines of officers and chanting for them to lay down their truncheons and shields. Police officers were also injured in skirmishes with protesters.

full: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/29/world/asia/clashes-in-hong-kong.html

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