Another demonstrator shot by police, man set on fire . . .
Following the death last Friday of a university student involved in protests, renewed violence has erupted across Hong Kong. Protesters called for a general strike on Monday, blocked off entrances to metro stations, and barricaded main roads, disrupting rush hour traffic. During Monday’s protests and violence, police shot a demonstrator with live ammunition at close range. He appeared to be unarmed. Later that day a pro-Beijing supporter arguing with a group of young protesters was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire. Both men are in critical condition. The Guardian has circulated video of the two incidents – see the link below.
Tear gas fired at university campuses . . .
Tense standoffs ensued between protesters and police at university campuses across Hong Kong. During violent clashes at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, police fired rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse students, while protesters threw petrol bombs and bricks in return. The university’s vice chancellor was among those affected by tear gas as he tried to mediate between students and police.
Chief Executive hardens tone . . .
In response to this week’s protests, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam told reporters that the government “will spare no effort in finding ways and means that could end the violence in Hong Kong as soon as possible,” although she provided no details. Lam also warned that “if there is still any wishful thinking that by escalating violence the government will yield to pressure . . . I am making this clear and loud here. That will not happen.” The Hong Kong chief insists that the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) would be sufficient to conduct an independent investigation into alleged police brutality. However, a member of an independent panel that oversees the IPCC released a statement on Monday saying that the structural limitations of IPCC’s scope and powers inhibit it from establishing a coherent and representative body of evidence. It therefore remains unclear how the government plans to tackle accusations of police brutality, which is a major source of public anger.
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