Hong Kong Police Fire Teargas At Citizens Protesting Against China's Proposed Security Law

A protest in Hong Kong against Beijing's controversial plan to directly impose national security laws on the semi-autonomous financial hub, took a different turn today as teargas was fired at protesters. 

 

Videos shared online showed the protesters gathering in the busy Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts with makeshift barricades as they chanted slogans such as "Five demands, not one less" in reference to their demands from the government, including investigation of alleged police brutality against anti-government protesters last year. Others chanted "Hong Kong independence, the only way out," and others flew blue, pro-independence flags.

The planned legislation expected to ban treason, subversion and sedition, comes after Hong Kong was shaken last year by months of massive, often-violent protests, and repeated warnings from China that it would not tolerate dissent. The new law will also enable mainland Chinese national security agencies to operate in the city for the first time.

BREAKING: Police have fired tear gas at the crossroads of Hennessy Road and Percival Street, and near Hysan Place. Photo: StandNews screenshot. pic.twitter.com/C8pQPS7CP2

— Hong Kong Free Press HKFP (@HongKongFP) May 24, 2020