Police trying to avert new protests in Hong Kong

At least three rallies are scheduled for 27 July at strategic spots in the city. Police have warned organisers that it can block everything and arrest those present. People are still opposed to the dreaded extradition law and Beijing's influence in the life of the former British colony.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Hong Kong police warned organisers of planned protests that they could be blocked and participants arrested.

Tensions in the former British Crown colony remain high, following recent protests against a Beijing-backed extradition law.

As a result of the protest, the bill was suspended and Hong Kong’s pro-mainland chief executive, Carrie Lam, apologised. However, many fear that the bill could be reintroduced at a later stage.

Rallies are set for 27 July in Hong Kong’s Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan districts.

Under Hong Kong law, public gatherings of 50 or more people must be approved by the police.

So far, that has not been forthcoming, as law enforcement fear a repeat of the chaos of the recent past, namely the mass rallies of 9 June (one million people) and 16 June (over two million people).

Protesters however have pledged to continue their action until the bill is withdrawn. They also want the government to stop referring to peaceful demonstrations as “unrest”.

• hong kong
• china
• protest movement
• police
• extradition bill
• carrie lam