Hong Kong authorities made numerous arrests on Wednesday as protesters took to the streets in defiance of sweeping new security legislation introduced by China to snuff out dissent.
Key points:
- Authorities pointed out the freshly passed security legislation while facing protesters
- Riot cops used pepper spray to make arrests
- Water cannon were also used to repel protesters
Cops likewise fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters during the clashes which came one day after the new legislation was enacted.
Beijing on Tuesday revealed the details of the much-anticipated law after weeks of unpredictability, pushing among the world’s significant monetary hubs onto a more authoritarian course.
As countless protesters collected for a yearly rally marking the anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to China in 1997, riot cops used pepper spray and fired pellets as they made arrests after crowds spilled into the streets shouting “withstand till completion” and “Hong Kong independence”.
” I’m afraid of going to prison but for justice I have to come out today, I have to stand up,” said a 35- year-old male who provided his name as Seth.
Police said they had made more than 300 arrests for illegal assembly and other offenses, with 9 including offenses of the brand-new law.
Previously, police cited the law for the first time in facing protesters.
” You are displaying flags or banners/chanting slogans/or performing yourselves with an intent such as secession or subversion, which might constitute offences under the … nationwide security law,” cops