Large-Scale Protests In Hong Kong: Legislative Council Building Is Under Attack
UPDATE: The Legislative Council (LegCo) building is seized by protesters. Police forces are preparing to storm it.
It seems that at least a part of the protesters wants to make Hong Kong a British colony once again.
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On July 1st, protests in Hong Kong continued on the anniversary of the city’s handover from the UK to China.
The Guardian has a livestream set up:
In the morning, a flag-raising ceremony to mark the handover took place inside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, amid a heavy police presence.
Demonstrators blocked several roads nearby early using items like metal and plastic barriers.
Police officers equipped with shields, batons and pepper spray clashed with hundreds of protesters about 30 minutes before the ceremony.
The Legislative Council (LegCo) building, which is where the Hong Kong government meets was put on red alert and many were evacuated from it.
A small group of protesters began ramming the glass doors with a metal trolley, succeeding in smashing in the door, before largely dispersing.
can feel the atmosphere hear near legco getting increasingly tense – the fire alarm is also going off. protesters calling and signing for lots of supplies to be delivered. they’re telling ppl it’s dangerous to go too near legco unless they’re willing to take the risk. pic.twitter.com/1FyoX60LkH
— isabella steger (@stegersaurus) July 1, 2019
protesters are taking off this gate and passing on the metal poles. apparently no police presence so far. #extraditionbill #tictocnews
Protesters Breach Main #HongKong Legislature Entrance https://t.co/bM80UbaOtw @bpolitics pic.twitter.com/q4BEZ9D9fM
— Fion Li (@fion_li) July 1, 2019
After a while of smashing at the window, it gave up and protesters poured in the building, but there was yet another barricade to get inside.
Protesters now pouring through glass door entrances of LegCo at couple spots – still another barricade to get inside #HongKongProtest #July1 #antiELAB pic.twitter.com/JdRvf7aSQw
— Rosalind Adams (@RosalindZAdams) July 1, 2019
In a joint statement, 41 lawmakers condemn what they describe as “extremely radical and violent acts”, such as the occupying of roads and damaging the Legco building, the South China Morning Post reports.
“These extremely radical violent elements seriously undermined social order and peace. They did these deliberately, disrupted public order and challenged the rule of law. It is not what they call acts to show they love and cherish Hong Kong,” the statement reads.
“We sternly condemn their wrongdoings and appeal to the general public who love peace, and firmly believe in the core values of Hong Kong, to draw a line with them. Jointly send them a message that they cannot undermine social order.”
The latest statement from Hong Kong police goes:
“The HKSAR government strongly condemns and deeply regrets the extremely violent acts committed by some protesters who stormed the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex this afternoon (July 1), using a roll cage trolley as a ram and iron poles to shatter glass doors of the LegCo.
A government spokesman said Hong Kong is a society that respects the rule of law, and has never tolerated violence. Protesters who resort to violence must stop their acts immediately. The Police will take appropriate enforcement action to protect public order and safety.”
Prior to the protesters breaking in Hong Kong Riot Police were holding a red poster with the words “Stop charging or we use force” up from behind the windows.
Despite MSM claims that the protests are “pro-democracy,” protest slogans show a different picture mostly focused on the anti-extradition bill, accountability for police acts and some of them require the resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam.
Slogans today: still seem to be focused on recent issues and not broader pro-democracy calls. Mostly anti-extradition, accountability for police acts, few Lam resign. Should be easy for govt to respond to these, but will they? pic.twitter.com/qI9u9WEqRm
— Antony Dapiran (@antd) July 1, 2019
Many journalists were told to not take pictures and turn off their cameras. Allegedly protesters were afraid that they would get prosecuted for violent acts, but there is speculation that there are simply “mercenary protesters.”
Protesters have broken glass panel walls around LegCo while blocking me and many other reporters from filming. This was sent to one of the protest telegram groups, protesters are becoming more hostile towards journalists. Be careful out there! pic.twitter.com/0leC4qeNZJ
— Pak Yiu (@pakwayne) July 1, 2019
The following was reported by the Guardian:
“Our reporter on the ground Verna Yu says she has been urged at least ten times today not to take pictures of the protests outside the Legco building, as participants fear repercussions for their actions. While the main march is officially authorised by police, the smaller one at Legco is not, and protesters could face riot or illegal assembly charges and up to ten years of prison.”
Following are more videos of the LegCo building siege:
The protest is still on-going and it is unclear of what exactly is happening after the windows of the LegCo building were broken.
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