Hong Kong protesters hit with tear gas, water cannon

HONG KONG – Hong Kong police fired tear gas, water cannon and pepper balls at separate groups totaling thousands of people who came out in protest at plans by the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing to impose draconian national security legislation and crack downs on dissent in the city.

Police made 120 arrests in multiple clashes in the shopping and nightlife districts of Causeway Bay and Wanchai, repeatedly firing tear gas into busy streets and firing water cannon at one group.

Protesters blocked major streets, dug up paving bricks and set small fires, leaving other forms of debris on the roads to slow down traffic and riot police.

Police said several officers were hit by bricks and bottles thrown by protesters, amid growing social tensions following months of anti-government protests and widespread police violence.

Sporadic groups formed of people wearing face-masks in the Causeway Bay shopping district on Hong Kong Island, spreading debris across the streets and tramlines in some areas to slow down hundreds of armed riot police who were dispatched to the area.

In a marked difference from previous protests, protesters chanted “Hong Kong independence is the only solution!” among other slogans.

Some bystanders hurled insults at police as they stood guard at major intersections in the district.

“Communist dogs!” yelled one group of protesters, with sarcastic applause, as a column of riot police passed through, according to a live Twitter thread from Hong Kong-based correspondent for Agence France-Presse Xinqi Su.

Some signs left on the ground bore slogans saying “Down with the communist regime,” Su’s thread showed.

A woman reacts after riot police fired tear gas to disperse protesters taking part in a pro-democracy rally against a proposed new security law in Hong Kong, May 24, 2020. AFP Middle finger to police

Police displayed warning flags to a crowd outside the H&M store, warning that the gathering was illegal, eliciting cheers from the crowd, many of whom gave the police the middle finger in response, Su reported.