Violent clashes erupted in Hong Kong ahead of Beijing’s ruling on pro-independence officials
Occupying again.
Image: EPA/Alex Hofford
By
Isabella Steger, Echo Huang
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A peaceful demonstration in Hong Kong on Nov. 6 escalated into violent clashes between protesters and police, ahead of a ruling from Beijing on the fate of two lawmaker-elects who have for weeks been unable to take their oaths to officially enter the legislature because of their pro-independence views.
The current furor began after Yau Wai-ching and Baggio Leung, who represent the Youngspiration political party, won seats in September elections to legislative council. The two proclaimed that Hong Kong is not a part of China, and used a derogatory term to refer to the mainland during their swearing-in session in October. Weeks later, the two still have not been sworn in because the Hong Kong government has legally challenged the validity of their oaths.
After a hearing on Nov. 3, a Hong Kong court is due to rule on the government’s legal challenge—but Beijing has also said that it will step in to “interpret” the relevant clause in the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s own constitution that separates it administratively and legally from mainland China.
Sunday’s protests were called to voice discontent against what many in Hong Kong view as unnecessary interference by Beijing in the city’s legal affairs, and an attempt to undermine Hong Kong’s judicial independence. Thousands turned out during the day to march to Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, but many pushed forward or convened afterward at the Liaison Office, Beijing’s representative office in Hong Kong.
In some of the most violent scenes since January’s so-called “Fishball Revolution,” police used pepper spray against protesters wearing goggles and facemasks and carrying umbrellas—the latter a symbol of protests in Hong Kong in 2014. The protesters, including many young people wearing masks and hoods, managed to occupy parts of main roads around the Liaison Office and attempted to hold their gains, but were ultimately chased away by riot police. The protesters finally dispersed at around 2am local time Monday.
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong shouts during a protest against what they call Beijing’s interference over local politics and the rule of law in Hong Kong, November 6, 2016.Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Lawmaker Claudia Mo raises a placard as thousands of people march through downtown Hong Kong to protest Beijing’s involvement in a spat involving two newly elected pro-independence lawmakers.Image: AP/Vincent Yu
A China supporter shouts slogans as a protest against Beijing goes on in Hong Kong.Image: AP/Vincent Yu
Newly elected Hong Kong lawmakers Yau Wai-ching, left, and Sixtus Leung, march with thousands of people through downtown Hong Kong. China’s top legislative panel has said Beijing must intervene in a Hong Kong political dispute to deter advocates of independence for the city, calling such acts a threat to national security.Image: AP/Vincent Yu
Protesters hold a banner similar to one held up by Yau Wai-ching at her first Legco oath-taking attempt in October.Image: EPA/Alex Hofford
An injured protestor rests on the ground during a demonstration outside the Chinese government’s headquarters in Hong Kong.Image: EPA/Alex Hofford
Pro-independence legislator-elect Yau Wai-ching (R) talks with a protester during a confrontation with police outside the China Liaison Office in Hong Kong.Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip
Police armed with pepper spray prepare to confront protestors gathered outside the Chinese government’s headquarters in Hong Kong.Image: EPA/Alex Hofford
Protesters use umbrellas to block the pepper spray from police officers after clashing outside the Chinese central government’s liaison office as thousands of people march in Hong Kong.Image: AP/Vincent Yu
Protesters use umbrellas to block pepper spray from police officers outside the Chinese central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong.Image: AP/Vincent Yu
Protesters scuffle with police officers as thousands of people march in a Hong Kong street.Image: AP/Kin Cheung
A protester wears Guy Fawkes mask during a confrontation with the police outside the China Liaison Office in Hong Kong.Image: Reuters/Bobby Yip
A protester raises an umbrella sitting in front of a line of police officers outside the Chinese central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong.Image: AP/Vincent Yu
A demonstrator wears a Guy Fawkes mask as he stands in front of police during a protest in Hong Kong.Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu)
Police prepare to confront protestors gathered outside the Chinese government’s headquarters in Hong Kong.Image: EPA/Alex Hofford
Protesters are pepper sprayed by police during a protest in Hong Kong.Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Protestors gather outside the Chinese government’s headquarters and block a minibus in Hong Kong.Image: EPA/Alex Hofford
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