Hong Kong protesters defy retreat orders
HONG KONG – Thousands of pro-democracy activists forced a temporary closure of the Hong Kong government’s headquarters after they clashed with police, defying orders to retreat . The clashes were perhaps the most violent since the movement began two months ago. Police baton charges left some protesters prostrate and bleeding, while volleys of pepper spray left others vomiting and temporarily blind. At least 40 people were arrested and 40 taken to hospital; one officer was knocked out cold in a scuffle and taken away on a stretcher.
Vinki Tsang, a 20-year-old psychology student:
“We do not know what we can do but we just want to try and clean up a little. Last night I was very scared. Now I am looking for ways to contribute again to our fight for democracy. I do not understand why the police are so brutal with us — they are Hong Kongers too, they will benefit from the results of our battle as well.”
Lee Cheuk-yan, a pan-democrat legislator:
“People are very angry that the government keeps refusing to respond and only use police violence instead of finding a political solution. They must listen to the people.”
“Some people have mistaken the police’s tolerance for weakness.”