Hong Kong has finished the sticks | Violent repression …

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters took to the streets for the ninth consecutive weekend to reject a controversial extradition bill and call for reforms that do not bind the former British colony to China. The demonstration was severely repressed by the police.

The riot police division of Hong Kong did not hesitate to use tear gas against protesters in the central square of the city, after a group destroyed a police station in the neighborhood Tsim Sha Tsui, the shopping and tourist district of Hong Kong. Previously, hundreds of masked badistants had erected improvised barricades to block several streets in the area.

The protest began peacefully with about 120,000 people gathered in Monh Kok district, a popular destination for shopping and theater of clashes with the pro-democracy claims of 2014. Thousands of people took to the streets singing slogans and calling the locals. join the strike next Monday. This is how the protesters move, a group spontaneously formed without leaders or faces.

The crisis erupted two months ago as a result of opposition to a bill – currently suspended – allowing extraditions to China. But the move has turned into a complaint for the reduction of freedoms and for demanding democratic reforms in this enclave belonging to China. Under the principle of "one country, two systems" with which the United Kingdom has ceded Hong Kong to China, the city enjoys freedoms unknown in the rest of the country, until 2047 in principle. But more and more Hong Kongers fear that China does not agree

The aggression of protesters in late July by alleged members of so-called triads – criminal gangs of Chinese origin operating in China and Hong Kong – caused 45 injuries and fueled the tension .

The repression increases. This week, 44 protesters were accused of participating in riots, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. On Friday, public service employees took to the streets despite the authorities' warning that they could be fired. Mobilization was an unprecedented initiative for this sector, known for its conservatism and discretion.

In parallel, a counter-march gathered thousands of people dressed in white and carrying flags of China. Pro-Government protesters gathered in a park to express their support for the police with signs saying "give peace a chance".

Executive Director Carrie Lam, who suspended the controversial extradition bill, made few appearances in public. The protesters demand his resignation, an independent investigation into the police action, the amnesty of the imprisoned protesters, the total withdrawal of the bill and the right to elect their leaders.

On Sunday, there are two more organized marches, one on the island of Hong Kong and the other in the Tseung Kwan O area. On Monday, a general strike is called throughout the city, in addition to protests. in seven places.