Hong Kong protests: Carrie Lam condemns Monday's violence. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong protests: Carrie Lam condemns Monday's violence

The Trump administration today expressed "grave concern" over the situation in Hong Kong which saw a student demonstrator being killed last week and another shot at during<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-carrie-lam-says-violence-exceeded-calls-for-democracy-police-defend-officers-who-shot-at-protesters-261394"> violent demonstrations </a>on Monday.

"The United States is watching the situation in Hong Kong with grave concern," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

On Monday, large scale clashes between police and protesters in various parts of the city led to escalation of violence in which one person was shot at as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-at-protesters-at-least-2-injured-261286">Hong Kong saw 24 </a>weeks of continuous violence.

At &nbsp;Sai Wan Ho district police opened fire on a &nbsp;21-year-old protester in the chest, the incident was broadcast live on facebook.

Watch Video:

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The police reportedly again opened fire, firing two more live rounds as another protester fell on the ground. Both protesters were detained, according to reports.

"We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties -- police and protestors -- to exercise restraint," the State Department said.

There were other incidents of violence across the city including in Lung Cheung Road, &nbsp;Connaught Central and Pedder Street.

Defending its action, Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch of Kwok Pak-Chung said: "Two-person approached and my colleague was blocked and his waist was held on, "Suddenly a man wearing black appeared...if you look at his right hand he is trying to snatch my colleague's gun with his right hand."

"Because of the threats from two directions, and he knew if his gun was snatched, his safety, as well as the bystanders near him, will be threatened, therefore he decided to open fire," he added.&nbsp;

As violence spread, police arrested over 260 people while deploying heavy security around Metro stations with riot police deployed across the city.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that "the widespread violent acts (of protesters) should be condemned by the whole society," adding,"The action of rioters has far exceeded the call for democracy and are now people's enemy. And it is incidents like that, which has seen by many local residents, making people worried and scared." 
&nbsp;

The Trump administration today expressed "grave concern" over the situation in Hong Kong which saw a student demonstrator being killed last week and another shot at during violent demonstrations on Monday.

The Trump administration today expressed "grave concern" over the situation in Hong Kong which saw a student demonstrator being killed last week and another shot at during violent demonstrations on Monday. "The United States is watching the situation in Hong Kong with grave concern," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. On Monday, large scale clashes between police and protesters in various parts of the city led to escalation of violence in which one person was shot at as Hong Kong saw 24 weeks of continuous violence. At Sai Wan Ho district police opened fire on a 21-year-old protester in the chest, the incident was broadcast live on facebook. Watch Video: The police reportedly again opened fire, firing two more live rounds as another protester fell on the ground. Both protesters were detained, according to reports. "We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties -- police and protestors -- to exercise restraint," the State Department said. There were other incidents of violence across the city including in Lung Cheung Road, Connaught Central and Pedder Street. Defending its action, Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch of Kwok Pak-Chung said: "Two-person approached and my colleague was blocked and his waist was held on, "Suddenly a man wearing black appeared...if you look at his right hand he is trying to snatch my colleague's gun with his right hand." "Because of the threats from two directions, and he knew if his gun was snatched, his safety, as well as the bystanders near him, will be threatened, therefore he decided to open fire," he added. As violence spread, police arrested over 260 people while deploying heavy security around Metro stations with riot police deployed across the city. Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said that "the widespread violent acts (of protesters) should be condemned by the whole society," adding,"The action of rioters has far exceeded the call for democracy and are now people's enemy. And it is incidents like that, which has seen by many local residents, making people worried and scared."

Watching situation in Hong Kong with grave concern: US

Police fire tear gas as protest flare up across Hong Kong. Watch video to know more.

Police fire tear gas as protest flare up across Hong Kong

Just days after a student protester was killed in Hong Kong, city police officer shot at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-watchdog-unequipped-to-probe-own-forces-handling-of-protests-report-261208">masked protesters on Monday</a> as a new wave of violence hit Asia's financial centre.

WION's correspondent in Hong Kong was caught in the crossfire between security officials and protesters as demonstrations turned violent on Monday.

The latest incident of violence took place in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-on-24th-weekend-of-unrest-261153">Sai Wan Ho district</a> as police tried to detain masked protesters at a Metro junction, amid the confusion a protester approached an officer and was shot in the chest which was broadcast live on Facebook.

The police reportedly again opened fire, firing two more live rounds as another protester fell on the ground. Both protesters were detained, according to reports.

There were other incidents of violence reported across the city in Lung Cheung road area including in Connaught Central and Pedder Street.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protests-turn-violent-police-shoot-protester-amid-clashes-261252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

AFP quoting hospital authorities said&nbsp;three people were admitted after the firing incident, one with a gunshot wound.&nbsp;

A huge blaze was reported on the footbride of Hong Kong Polytechnic University which was later doused by firefighters.

The police also clashed with protesters in Peddar Street, a cannister reportedly hit the demonstrators.

Hong Kong is witnessing&nbsp;24 weeks of continuous&nbsp;violence against China with protesters demanding greater democratic rights and police accountability.

On Friday, the protesters marked the death of university student with candlelight vigils as gloom descended on the city.&nbsp;

The violence centred around Nathan Road in the Kowloon district, a hotspot for tourists. Several shops were vandalised and entrance to the Metro blocked as authorities tried to stop the surge of protesters.

Chow Tsz-lok,22, a student who studied at University of Science and Technology (UST) died last week when he fell from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in Hong Kong in over five months of protests.

Just days after a student protester was killed in Hong Kong, city police officer shot at masked protesters on Monday as a new wave of violence hit Asia's financial centre.

Just days after a student protester was killed in Hong Kong, city police officer shot at masked protesters on Monday as a new wave of violence hit Asia's financial centre. WION's correspondent in Hong Kong was caught in the crossfire between security officials and protesters as demonstrations turned violent on Monday. The latest incident of violence took place in Sai Wan Ho district as police tried to detain masked protesters at a Metro junction, amid the confusion a protester approached an officer and was shot in the chest which was broadcast live on Facebook. The police reportedly again opened fire, firing two more live rounds as another protester fell on the ground. Both protesters were detained, according to reports. There were other incidents of violence reported across the city in Lung Cheung road area including in Connaught Central and Pedder Street. Watch Video: AFP quoting hospital authorities said three people were admitted after the firing incident, one with a gunshot wound. A huge blaze was reported on the footbride of Hong Kong Polytechnic University which was later doused by firefighters. The police also clashed with protesters in Peddar Street, a cannister reportedly hit the demonstrators. Hong Kong is witnessing 24 weeks of continuous violence against China with protesters demanding greater democratic rights and police accountability. On Friday, the protesters marked the death of university student with candlelight vigils as gloom descended on the city. The violence centred around Nathan Road in the Kowloon district, a hotspot for tourists. Several shops were vandalised and entrance to the Metro blocked as authorities tried to stop the surge of protesters. Chow Tsz-lok,22, a student who studied at University of Science and Technology (UST) died last week when he fell from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed by police. It was the first student death in Hong Kong in over five months of protests.

Hong Kong police opens fire at protesters; at least 2 injured

Hong Kong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-strongly-condemns-knife-attack-260417">leader Carrie Lam</a> addressing the media said that "the widespread violent acts (of protesters) should be condemned by the whole society. I hereby appeal to the people to recognised that the action is very destructive and could bring Hong Kong to a road of no return."

"The action of rioters has far exceeded the call for democracy and are now people's enemy. And it is incidents like that, which has seen by many local residents, making people worried and scared," Lam added.&nbsp;

Hong Kong police on Monday, November 11 made a statement, defending the officer who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-at-protesters-at-least-2-injured-261286">shot live fire at a protestor</a>, stating that his decision was in self-defence.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Two-person&nbsp;approached and my colleague was blocked and his waist was held on," said Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch of Kwok Pak-Chung.&nbsp;

"Suddenly a man wearing black appeared...if you look at his right hand he is trying to snatch my colleague's gun with his right hand," claimed the Chief Superintendent while releasing a video clip of the incident.&nbsp;

"Because of the threats from two directions, and he knew if his gun was snatched, his safety, as well as the bystanders near him, will be threatened, therefore he decided to open fire," he added.&nbsp;

The protestor who was shot in the right abdomen is said to be in critical condition, according to hospital officials.&nbsp;

Commenting on the traffic officer who fired three rounds, one of which hit a protester, the police said that the cause was still under investigation by the regional crime unit of Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The police claim that the incident was triggered when the officer was trying to arrest a person when several other protesters surrounded him. &nbsp;

"The officer pulled out his service revolver as a warning, however, the protester did not stop attempts to snatch the revolver," said officials.&nbsp;

Watch: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam strongly condemns knife attack

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-strongly-condemns-knife-attack-260417/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The officer believed it was very likely that revolver would be snatched and the consequence would be disastrous...We certainly believe our officer did not have bad intentions to hurt anyone," claimed the officials.&nbsp;

Police denounced the setting of fire of a man outside Ma On Shan Plaza in the New Territories, who was allegedly in opposition with protesters.&nbsp;

Videos circulating online depict a man pouring petrol on another before setting him on fire.&nbsp;

Hospital Authorities confirmed the admission of a man in a critical condition with severe burns, without confirming the video.&nbsp;

Hong Kong on Monday experienced rare working-hours violence amidst its 24th straight week of pro-democracy protests. &nbsp;

(With input from Reuters)

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam addressing the media said that "the widespread violent acts (of protesters) should be condemned by the whole society. I hereby appeal to the people to recognised that the action is very destructive and could bring Hong Kong to a road of no return.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam addressing the media said that "the widespread violent acts (of protesters) should be condemned by the whole society. I hereby appeal to the people to recognised that the action is very destructive and could bring Hong Kong to a road of no return." "The action of rioters has far exceeded the call for democracy and are now people's enemy. And it is incidents like that, which has seen by many local residents, making people worried and scared," Lam added. Hong Kong police on Monday, November 11 made a statement, defending the officer who shot live fire at a protestor, stating that his decision was in self-defence. "Two-person approached and my colleague was blocked and his waist was held on," said Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch of Kwok Pak-Chung. "Suddenly a man wearing black appeared...if you look at his right hand he is trying to snatch my colleague's gun with his right hand," claimed the Chief Superintendent while releasing a video clip of the incident. "Because of the threats from two directions, and he knew if his gun was snatched, his safety, as well as the bystanders near him, will be threatened, therefore he decided to open fire," he added. The protestor who was shot in the right abdomen is said to be in critical condition, according to hospital officials. Commenting on the traffic officer who fired three rounds, one of which hit a protester, the police said that the cause was still under investigation by the regional crime unit of Hong Kong. The police claim that the incident was triggered when the officer was trying to arrest a person when several other protesters surrounded him. "The officer pulled out his service revolver as a warning, however, the protester did not stop attempts to snatch the revolver," said officials. Watch: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam strongly condemns knife attack "The officer believed it was very likely that revolver would be snatched and the consequence would be disastrous...We certainly believe our officer did not have bad intentions to hurt anyone," claimed the officials. Police denounced the setting of fire of a man outside Ma On Shan Plaza in the New Territories, who was allegedly in opposition with protesters. Videos circulating online depict a man pouring petrol on another before setting him on fire. Hospital Authorities confirmed the admission of a man in a critical condition with severe burns, without confirming the video. Hong Kong on Monday experienced rare working-hours violence amidst its 24th straight week of pro-democracy protests. (With input from Reuters)

Hong Kong's Carrie Lam says violence exceeded calls for democracy, police defend officers who shot at protesters

Hong Kong police said Saturday they have arrested three pro-democracy lawmakers over a brawl in parliament, deepening the city's crisis a day after the death of a student sent tensions soaring.

The international finance hub has been upended by five months of huge and increasingly violent pro-democracy protests but Beijing has refused to give in to most of the movement's demands.

With the city bracing for a 24th consecutive weekend of rallies, police brought charges against three key pro-democracy lawmakers while four other lawmakers said they had been ordered to attend a police station later Saturday to be booked.&nbsp;

They face up to a year in jail if convicted.&nbsp;

The charges relate to chaotic scenes that broke out within a legislative committee in May as pro-democracy lawmakers tried to stop a controversial bill being discussed that would allow extraditions to authoritarian mainland China.&nbsp;

At the time, city leader Carrie Lam was fast-tracking the bill through the legislature, a move that went on to ignite record-breaking street protests in which millions marched.

"The protests that have been going on for five months are yet to finish but the government is already launching massive arrests of pro-democracy legislators in collaboration with the police," the lawmakers said in a joint statement.&nbsp;

- 'Right here waiting' -&nbsp; 
One of the lawmakers said he would refuse to turn himself in. &nbsp;

"If you are accusing me of violating laws in the Legislative Council, come here and arrest me. I will be right here waiting," Lam Cheuk-ting told reporters at a joint press conference.

Hong Kong's legislature is quasi-democratic, with half the seats popularly elected and the rest chosen by largely pro-Beijing committees, ensuring the chamber remains stacked with government loyalists.

Opposition to the government comes in the form of a small band of pro-democracy lawmakers who win their seats in local elections.

The lack of fully free elections -- and especially the fact that the city's leader is appointed by a pro-Beijing committee -- has fuelled years of protests that have culminated in the latest unrest.

The tinderbox atmosphere intensified on Friday after 22-year-old student Alex Chow died from a fall during recent clashes with police.

Although the precise chain of events leading to his fall are unclear and disputed, protesters have made alleged police brutality one of their movement's rallying cries and have seized on the death.

Thousands attended candlelight vigils on Friday evening while police fought cat and mouse battles with flashmob protesters who blocked roads, burned barricades and vandalised subway station entrances in multiple neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

In one incident, an officer fired a live warning shot as his unit faced off with protesters throwing projectiles.

Upcoming local elections

The city is holding district council elections on 24 November with the pro-Beijing camp bracing for heavy defeats.

Since this summer's pro-democracy protests kicked off, voter registration has soared and the pro-democracy camp is fielding candidates in every constituency for the first time.

But there are also concerns the elections could be called off given the spiralling violence.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, one of the city's most stridently pro-Beijing politicians was wounded in a knife attack by a man who pretended to be a supporter.&nbsp;

That assault came three days after a Mandarin-speaking man shouting pro-Beijing slogans knifed at least three pro-democracy protesters and bit off the ear of a local district councillor.

Pro-democracy lawmakers called for protesters not to give the government an excuse to cancel the elections because of the violence.&nbsp;

"The district council election is a de facto referendum, in which all Hong Kong people can respond to the social problems, the unjust governance and the police brutality triggered by the extradition bill," lawmaker Tanya Chan said on Saturday.

But further unrest seems likely given that the protest movement is largely organised online by activists who favour confrontations with the police who are themselves responding with increasingly hardcore tactics as each month passes.&nbsp;

Police have repeatedly denied any allegations of wrongdoing in relation to Chow's death.

Rallies and prayer vigils are expected on Saturday and Sunday evening and there have been calls for a general strike on Monday.

Hong Kong police said Saturday they have arrested three pro-democracy lawmakers over a brawl in parliament, deepening the city's crisis a day after the death of a student sent tensions soaring.

Hong Kong police said Saturday they have arrested three pro-democracy lawmakers over a brawl in parliament, deepening the city's crisis a day after the death of a student sent tensions soaring. The international finance hub has been upended by five months of huge and increasingly violent pro-democracy protests but Beijing has refused to give in to most of the movement's demands. With the city bracing for a 24th consecutive weekend of rallies, police brought charges against three key pro-democracy lawmakers while four other lawmakers said they had been ordered to attend a police station later Saturday to be booked. They face up to a year in jail if convicted. The charges relate to chaotic scenes that broke out within a legislative committee in May as pro-democracy lawmakers tried to stop a controversial bill being discussed that would allow extraditions to authoritarian mainland China. At the time, city leader Carrie Lam was fast-tracking the bill through the legislature, a move that went on to ignite record-breaking street protests in which millions marched. "The protests that have been going on for five months are yet to finish but the government is already launching massive arrests of pro-democracy legislators in collaboration with the police," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. - 'Right here waiting' - One of the lawmakers said he would refuse to turn himself in. "If you are accusing me of violating laws in the Legislative Council, come here and arrest me. I will be right here waiting," Lam Cheuk-ting told reporters at a joint press conference. Hong Kong's legislature is quasi-democratic, with half the seats popularly elected and the rest chosen by largely pro-Beijing committees, ensuring the chamber remains stacked with government loyalists. Opposition to the government comes in the form of a small band of pro-democracy lawmakers who win their seats in local elections. The lack of fully free elections -- and especially the fact that the city's leader is appointed by a pro-Beijing committee -- has fuelled years of protests that have culminated in the latest unrest. The tinderbox atmosphere intensified on Friday after 22-year-old student Alex Chow died from a fall during recent clashes with police. Although the precise chain of events leading to his fall are unclear and disputed, protesters have made alleged police brutality one of their movement's rallying cries and have seized on the death. Thousands attended candlelight vigils on Friday evening while police fought cat and mouse battles with flashmob protesters who blocked roads, burned barricades and vandalised subway station entrances in multiple neighbourhoods. In one incident, an officer fired a live warning shot as his unit faced off with protesters throwing projectiles. Upcoming local elections The city is holding district council elections on 24 November with the pro-Beijing camp bracing for heavy defeats. Since this summer's pro-democracy protests kicked off, voter registration has soared and the pro-democracy camp is fielding candidates in every constituency for the first time. But there are also concerns the elections could be called off given the spiralling violence. On Wednesday, one of the city's most stridently pro-Beijing politicians was wounded in a knife attack by a man who pretended to be a supporter. That assault came three days after a Mandarin-speaking man shouting pro-Beijing slogans knifed at least three pro-democracy protesters and bit off the ear of a local district councillor. Pro-democracy lawmakers called for protesters not to give the government an excuse to cancel the elections because of the violence. "The district council election is a de facto referendum, in which all Hong Kong people can respond to the social problems, the unjust governance and the police brutality triggered by the extradition bill," lawmaker Tanya Chan said on Saturday. But further unrest seems likely given that the protest movement is largely organised online by activists who favour confrontations with the police who are themselves responding with increasingly hardcore tactics as each month passes. Police have repeatedly denied any allegations of wrongdoing in relation to Chow's death. Rallies and prayer vigils are expected on Saturday and Sunday evening and there have been calls for a general strike on Monday.

Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers arrested as tensions soar

China has slammed radical protesters in Hong Kong as "mobsters" using violence to influence upcoming local elections after a pro-Beijing lawmaker was injured in a stabbing.

The international finance hub has been shaken by five months of huge and increasingly violent protests calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

With Beijing and Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam refusing to offer a political solution to the protesters' grievances, violence has spiralled on both sides of the ideological divide.

In the latest incident, a man holding a bouquet approached pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho on Wednesday morning as the politician was campaigning in his constituency near the border with China.

The attack was "not only a serious criminal act but also pure election violence," Xu Luying, spokeswoman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of China's central government, said Thursday, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Xu said radical protesters in Hong Kong "intend to create a 'chilling effect' by threatening and intimidating their candidates and their supporters", in order to "affect the election results of the district councils and realise their purpose of seizing political power".

Xu also called for "strong punishment" against violence in Hong Kong and for a "fair, just, safe and orderly environment" for the district elections, set to be held on November 24.

In October, democracy activist Joshua Wong was barred from contesting a seat in the upcoming polls.

An election officer had ruled that the concept of self-determination advocated by Wong's party, Demosisto, contradicted the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

China has slammed radical protesters in Hong Kong as "mobsters" using violence to influence upcoming local elections after a pro-Beijing lawmaker was injured in a stabbing.

China has slammed radical protesters in Hong Kong as "mobsters" using violence to influence upcoming local elections after a pro-Beijing lawmaker was injured in a stabbing. The international finance hub has been shaken by five months of huge and increasingly violent protests calling for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. With Beijing and Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam refusing to offer a political solution to the protesters' grievances, violence has spiralled on both sides of the ideological divide. In the latest incident, a man holding a bouquet approached pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho on Wednesday morning as the politician was campaigning in his constituency near the border with China. The attack was "not only a serious criminal act but also pure election violence," Xu Luying, spokeswoman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of China's central government, said Thursday, according to the official Xinhua news agency. Xu said radical protesters in Hong Kong "intend to create a 'chilling effect' by threatening and intimidating their candidates and their supporters", in order to "affect the election results of the district councils and realise their purpose of seizing political power". Xu also called for "strong punishment" against violence in Hong Kong and for a "fair, just, safe and orderly environment" for the district elections, set to be held on November 24. In October, democracy activist Joshua Wong was barred from contesting a seat in the upcoming polls. An election officer had ruled that the concept of self-determination advocated by Wong's party, Demosisto, contradicted the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution.

China calls Hong Kong protesters 'mobsters' after stabbing

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam strongly condemns knife attack. Watch video to know more.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam strongly condemns knife attack

Beijing supports more bold measures to tackle the roots of unrest that has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-gatecrashing-halloween-hong-kong-protesters-plot-guy-fawkes-protests-260085">rocked Hong Kong </a>for months, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday, just hours after a knife-wielding man attacked a pro-Beijing lawmaker in the financial hub.

Han Zheng, China's vice premier, said at an official meeting with Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's embattled leader, in Beijing anti-government protests were damaging the "one country, two systems" formula under which the city has been governed since its handover from Britain to Beijing in 1997.

"We firmly support the Special Administrative Region government to adopt more proactive and more effective measures to solve the social problems," Han said as he sat next to Lam in a meeting room in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Han said the social problems included unaffordable housing in the city, which is classified as a special region of China.

China's Communist Party said on Tuesday it would not tolerate any "separatist behaviour" after some protesters called for independence. Han said the violence had exceeded the "bottom line" of the rule law and of morality.

What started as agitation against a now-scrapped extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial, has widened into calls for full democracy, among other demands.

Anti-government protests stretching back more than five months have plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose one of the gravest challenges to Chinese President Xi Jinping's rule since he came to power in 2012.

Han was meeting Lam just hours after a man stabbed pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho in the chest with a knife, the latest incident in a series of attacks on candidates running in the city's November&nbsp;24 district council elections.

Both pro-democratic and pro-establishment figures have been attacked.

The alleged attacker was subdued and arrested. Ho said in an online statement he had suffered a knife wound to the upper left part of his chest but said his life was not at risk. Two of his colleagues were also hurt, he said.

The attacker's motive was not known but Ho gained notoriety among anti-government protesters in July when he was filmed laughing and shaking hands with suspected triad gang members who assaulted young demonstrators.

An online video showed the assailant handing Ho a bunch of yellow flowers before taking a weapon out of his bag and stabbing him.

Hong Kong's government strongly condemned the attack on Ho and said in a statement that members of the public should "express their views in a peaceful and rational manner with respect for each other".

Jimmy Sham, a leader of Hong Kong's Civil Human Rights Front, was among other prominent people to be attacked during the months of sometimes violent unrest. He was beaten by several men with hammers in October after his group organised mass rallies against the extradition bill.

Pro-democracy district councillor Andrew Chiu also had part of his ear bitten off by a knife-wielding man outside a mall this week.

Further protests are planned on Wednesday at some of Hong Kong's universities, activists said. Police fired water cannon to disperse protesters at a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/guy-fawkes-the-global-symbol-of-protest-to-take-over-hong-kong-streets-260105"> Guy Fawkes-themed march</a> on Tuesday.

Hundreds of black-clad student protesters gathered at the University of Hong Kong's campus to protest against perceived police brutality and to call for an independent investigation into an incident that left a student from another university fighting for his life.

The student fell during protests at the weekend and remained on life support, hospital authorities said, as some of his friends also gathered at the hospital to pray for him.

Protesters are demanding an end to perceived Chinese meddling in the territory's affairs, as well as universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police behaviour, among other demands.

Beijing denies interfering and blames foreign governments for fuelling the unrest.

President Xi met Lam on Tuesday in Shanghai, vouching support for her administration.

Following that meeting, Lam denied rumours that the government was considering an amnesty for protesters charged with offences.

Beijing supports more bold measures to tackle the roots of unrest that has rocked Hong Kong for months, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday, just hours after a knife-wielding man attacked a pro-Beijing lawmaker in the financial hub.

Beijing supports more bold measures to tackle the roots of unrest that has rocked Hong Kong for months, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday, just hours after a knife-wielding man attacked a pro-Beijing lawmaker in the financial hub. Han Zheng, China's vice premier, said at an official meeting with Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's embattled leader, in Beijing anti-government protests were damaging the "one country, two systems" formula under which the city has been governed since its handover from Britain to Beijing in 1997. "We firmly support the Special Administrative Region government to adopt more proactive and more effective measures to solve the social problems," Han said as he sat next to Lam in a meeting room in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Han said the social problems included unaffordable housing in the city, which is classified as a special region of China. China's Communist Party said on Tuesday it would not tolerate any "separatist behaviour" after some protesters called for independence. Han said the violence had exceeded the "bottom line" of the rule law and of morality. What started as agitation against a now-scrapped extradition bill, which would have allowed people to be sent to mainland China for trial, has widened into calls for full democracy, among other demands. Anti-government protests stretching back more than five months have plunged Hong Kong into its biggest political crisis in decades and pose one of the gravest challenges to Chinese President Xi Jinping's rule since he came to power in 2012. Han was meeting Lam just hours after a man stabbed pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho in the chest with a knife, the latest incident in a series of attacks on candidates running in the city's November 24 district council elections. Both pro-democratic and pro-establishment figures have been attacked. The alleged attacker was subdued and arrested. Ho said in an online statement he had suffered a knife wound to the upper left part of his chest but said his life was not at risk. Two of his colleagues were also hurt, he said. The attacker's motive was not known but Ho gained notoriety among anti-government protesters in July when he was filmed laughing and shaking hands with suspected triad gang members who assaulted young demonstrators. An online video showed the assailant handing Ho a bunch of yellow flowers before taking a weapon out of his bag and stabbing him. Hong Kong's government strongly condemned the attack on Ho and said in a statement that members of the public should "express their views in a peaceful and rational manner with respect for each other". Jimmy Sham, a leader of Hong Kong's Civil Human Rights Front, was among other prominent people to be attacked during the months of sometimes violent unrest. He was beaten by several men with hammers in October after his group organised mass rallies against the extradition bill. Pro-democracy district councillor Andrew Chiu also had part of his ear bitten off by a knife-wielding man outside a mall this week. Further protests are planned on Wednesday at some of Hong Kong's universities, activists said. Police fired water cannon to disperse protesters at a Guy Fawkes-themed march on Tuesday. Hundreds of black-clad student protesters gathered at the University of Hong Kong's campus to protest against perceived police brutality and to call for an independent investigation into an incident that left a student from another university fighting for his life. The student fell during protests at the weekend and remained on life support, hospital authorities said, as some of his friends also gathered at the hospital to pray for him. Protesters are demanding an end to perceived Chinese meddling in the territory's affairs, as well as universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police behaviour, among other demands. Beijing denies interfering and blames foreign governments for fuelling the unrest. President Xi met Lam on Tuesday in Shanghai, vouching support for her administration. Following that meeting, Lam denied rumours that the government was considering an amnesty for protesters charged with offences.

China backs bolder action over Hong Kong unrest: Officials

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a "high degree of trust" in Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam as the two met after months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous city.

Xi's show of support follows speculation that Beijing was preparing to remove Lam as city authorities struggle to contain pro-democracy demonstrations that have rocked the financial hub.

Their meeting in Shanghai on Monday followed another weekend of violence in Hong Kong that was marked by a knife attack and the vandalising of an office of China's official Xinhua news agency.

Xi said Lam has "done a lot of hard work" and strived to stabilise the situation in Hong Kong, according to a Xinhua readout of their meeting.

"Xi voiced the central government's high degree of trust in Lam and full acknowledgement of the work of her and her governance team," the state news agency said.

"Ending violence and chaos and restoring order remain the most important task for Hong Kong at present," Xi said.

Xi also called for "effective efforts" to be made in improving people's lives and having dialogue with all sectors of society.

Unscheduled Beijing talks&nbsp;

China has run the city under a special "one country, two systems" model, which allows Hong Kong liberties not seen on the mainland, since its handover from the British in 1997.

But public anger has been building for years over fears that Beijing has begun eroding those freedoms, especially since Xi came to power.

Protesters have issued a list of demands, including universal suffrage and an investigation into abuses by police.

The Chinese Communist Party agreed at a leadership meeting last week to "improve" the way Hong Kong's chief executive and key officials are appointed and removed, but it provided no other details.

The party also warned it would "never tolerate" any challenge to "one country, two systems".

Lam was chosen in 2017 by a 1,200-strong committee stacked with Beijing supporters, a system that ensures Hong Kong's leader remains loyal the central government but one that saddles the position with a pronounced democratic deficit.

Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole representative to China’s top lawmaking body, said the meeting between Xi and Lam would help allay the seething rumours about Beijing seeking to replace her.

"Xi must be very busy in Shanghai, where there were so many countries' leaders he had to meet, but he still made time for Lam, so the message of his care is clear," Tam said.

"Xi gave Lam an appropriate recognition but there isn't much praise in the report because after all the situations are yet to calm," Tam added.

The Financial Times, quoting unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, reported last month that Beijing is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive.

Beijing rejected the report as "a political rumour with ulterior motives".

'Puppet show'&nbsp;

Lam was originally supposed to return to Hong Kong after attending the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week, but on Sunday her office said she would meet with Chinese government officials in Beijing on Wednesday.

Willy Lam, an expert on Chinese politics, said the meeting will be publicly billed as discussing the protests and Hong Kong's involvement in China's huge Greater Bay Area economic zone.

"But I think the real reason has to do with whether they might discuss a replacement for Carrie Lam," he told AFP.

"Her performance has proven to be near disastrous and she has lost the confidence of Beijing."

Claudia Mo, an opposition lawmaker in Hong Kong, said many democracy supporters would be dismayed to see Xi embracing Lam despite her lack of popularity after five months of unrest.

"Beijing is now bound to further tighten its grip over Hong Kong and make things even worse here," she told AFP. "It's a puppet show."

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a "high degree of trust" in Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam as the two met after months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous city.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a "high degree of trust" in Hong Kong's unpopular leader Carrie Lam as the two met after months of increasingly violent protests in the semi-autonomous city. Xi's show of support follows speculation that Beijing was preparing to remove Lam as city authorities struggle to contain pro-democracy demonstrations that have rocked the financial hub. Their meeting in Shanghai on Monday followed another weekend of violence in Hong Kong that was marked by a knife attack and the vandalising of an office of China's official Xinhua news agency. Xi said Lam has "done a lot of hard work" and strived to stabilise the situation in Hong Kong, according to a Xinhua readout of their meeting. "Xi voiced the central government's high degree of trust in Lam and full acknowledgement of the work of her and her governance team," the state news agency said. "Ending violence and chaos and restoring order remain the most important task for Hong Kong at present," Xi said. Xi also called for "effective efforts" to be made in improving people's lives and having dialogue with all sectors of society. Unscheduled Beijing talks China has run the city under a special "one country, two systems" model, which allows Hong Kong liberties not seen on the mainland, since its handover from the British in 1997. But public anger has been building for years over fears that Beijing has begun eroding those freedoms, especially since Xi came to power. Protesters have issued a list of demands, including universal suffrage and an investigation into abuses by police. The Chinese Communist Party agreed at a leadership meeting last week to "improve" the way Hong Kong's chief executive and key officials are appointed and removed, but it provided no other details. The party also warned it would "never tolerate" any challenge to "one country, two systems". Lam was chosen in 2017 by a 1,200-strong committee stacked with Beijing supporters, a system that ensures Hong Kong's leader remains loyal the central government but one that saddles the position with a pronounced democratic deficit. Tam Yiu-chung, Hong Kong's sole representative to China’s top lawmaking body, said the meeting between Xi and Lam would help allay the seething rumours about Beijing seeking to replace her. "Xi must be very busy in Shanghai, where there were so many countries' leaders he had to meet, but he still made time for Lam, so the message of his care is clear," Tam said. "Xi gave Lam an appropriate recognition but there isn't much praise in the report because after all the situations are yet to calm," Tam added. The Financial Times, quoting unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, reported last month that Beijing is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive. Beijing rejected the report as "a political rumour with ulterior motives". 'Puppet show' Lam was originally supposed to return to Hong Kong after attending the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week, but on Sunday her office said she would meet with Chinese government officials in Beijing on Wednesday. Willy Lam, an expert on Chinese politics, said the meeting will be publicly billed as discussing the protests and Hong Kong's involvement in China's huge Greater Bay Area economic zone. "But I think the real reason has to do with whether they might discuss a replacement for Carrie Lam," he told AFP. "Her performance has proven to be near disastrous and she has lost the confidence of Beijing." Claudia Mo, an opposition lawmaker in Hong Kong, said many democracy supporters would be dismayed to see Xi embracing Lam despite her lack of popularity after five months of unrest. "Beijing is now bound to further tighten its grip over Hong Kong and make things even worse here," she told AFP. "It's a puppet show."

Xi voices 'high degree of trust' in Hong Kong leader over unrest

How the legend of Guy Fawkes & 'V for Vendetta' inspired Hong Kong protesters

A man went on a knife rampage in Hong Kong late Sunday leaving at least five people wounded, including a local pro-democracy politician who had his ear bitten off, capping another chaotic day of political unrest in the city.

Flashmob <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-upmarket-shopping-mall-clash-ends-in-bloodshed-259727">rallies erupted inside multiple shopping centers</a> across the international finance hub over the afternoon, sparking frequent clashes with riot police.

The violence was less sustained than Saturday when police and protesters fought hours of cat and mouse battles after thousands took the streets for an unsanctioned march.

But the day ended with a knife attack taking place outside a shopping mall in Tai Koo Shing, a middle-class neighbourhood on the main island where<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-clash-with-police-at-malls-259690"> protesters had gathered</a> for much of the afternoon.

Eye-witnesses told local media that a Mandarin-speaking man attacked people shortly after shouting pro-Beijing slogans.

Live footage showed Andrew Chiu, a local pro-democracy councillor, having his ear bitten off after trying to subdue the attacker, while a second man was seen unconscious in a growing pool of blood as bystanders desperately tried to stem wounds to his back.

The alleged assailant, wearing a grey t-shirt, was then beaten bloody by the crowd until police and other emergency workers arrived.

Hospital authorities said five people were wounded, four men and one woman. Two victims were in a critical condition, two were serious and one was stable.

Police revised down their wounded toll from six to five people and said three people were arrested, without detailing whether the alleged knife attacker was among those counted as injured or arrested.

An eye-witness, who gave her surname Leung, told RTHK News that the man shouted in Mandarin -- the language spoken on the Chinese mainland -- before attacking her brother-in-law who argued with him.&nbsp;

"The man came out from the doorway and yelled a sentence in Mandarin, it seemed like liberate Taiwan or something," she said.

Speaking to reporters outside the hospital where Chiu was taken to, pro-democracy lawmaker James To said the attacker shouted, "reclaim Taiwan and Hong Kong".

Communist China views self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

City divided

Hong Kong has been upended by the huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests which have battered the financial hub's reputation for stability and helped plunge the city into recession.

Police are firing ever increasing rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets against small groups of hardcore protesters who have embraced throwing petrol bombs as well as vandalising pro-China businesses.

With the city desperately polarised, street fights have broken out on both sides of the ideological divide with growing frequency.

Beijing supporters have attacked opponents throughout the summer, often in targeted assaults against prominent government critics and opposition politicians.

Earlier this month a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the stomach by a man who shouted slogans in Mandarin and was later arrested.

In Hong Kong, the lingua franca is Cantonese.

But the violence is far from one-sided.

Crowds of pro-democracy protesters have also routinely beaten their ideological opponents, usually in spontaneous mob violence during rallies.

With no political solution in sight, there are few signs of the spiralling violence and polarisation letting up.

Beijing has shown no willingness to meet demonstrators demands for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability -- and activists show no sign of leaving the streets with 22 consecutive weekends of unrest.

This summer's first protests in which millions marched were sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions to the mainland.

But as Beijing took a hardline the movement snowballed.

Protesters are demanding an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections.

A man went on a knife rampage in Hong Kong late Sunday leaving at least five people wounded, including a local pro-democracy politician who had his ear bitten off, capping another chaotic day of political unrest in the city.

A man went on a knife rampage in Hong Kong late Sunday leaving at least five people wounded, including a local pro-democracy politician who had his ear bitten off, capping another chaotic day of political unrest in the city. Flashmob rallies erupted inside multiple shopping centers across the international finance hub over the afternoon, sparking frequent clashes with riot police. The violence was less sustained than Saturday when police and protesters fought hours of cat and mouse battles after thousands took the streets for an unsanctioned march. But the day ended with a knife attack taking place outside a shopping mall in Tai Koo Shing, a middle-class neighbourhood on the main island where protesters had gathered for much of the afternoon. Eye-witnesses told local media that a Mandarin-speaking man attacked people shortly after shouting pro-Beijing slogans. Live footage showed Andrew Chiu, a local pro-democracy councillor, having his ear bitten off after trying to subdue the attacker, while a second man was seen unconscious in a growing pool of blood as bystanders desperately tried to stem wounds to his back. The alleged assailant, wearing a grey t-shirt, was then beaten bloody by the crowd until police and other emergency workers arrived. Hospital authorities said five people were wounded, four men and one woman. Two victims were in a critical condition, two were serious and one was stable. Police revised down their wounded toll from six to five people and said three people were arrested, without detailing whether the alleged knife attacker was among those counted as injured or arrested. An eye-witness, who gave her surname Leung, told RTHK News that the man shouted in Mandarin -- the language spoken on the Chinese mainland -- before attacking her brother-in-law who argued with him. "The man came out from the doorway and yelled a sentence in Mandarin, it seemed like liberate Taiwan or something," she said. Speaking to reporters outside the hospital where Chiu was taken to, pro-democracy lawmaker James To said the attacker shouted, "reclaim Taiwan and Hong Kong". Communist China views self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. City divided Hong Kong has been upended by the huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests which have battered the financial hub's reputation for stability and helped plunge the city into recession. Police are firing ever increasing rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets against small groups of hardcore protesters who have embraced throwing petrol bombs as well as vandalising pro-China businesses. With the city desperately polarised, street fights have broken out on both sides of the ideological divide with growing frequency. Beijing supporters have attacked opponents throughout the summer, often in targeted assaults against prominent government critics and opposition politicians. Earlier this month a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the stomach by a man who shouted slogans in Mandarin and was later arrested. In Hong Kong, the lingua franca is Cantonese. But the violence is far from one-sided. Crowds of pro-democracy protesters have also routinely beaten their ideological opponents, usually in spontaneous mob violence during rallies. With no political solution in sight, there are few signs of the spiralling violence and polarisation letting up. Beijing has shown no willingness to meet demonstrators demands for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability -- and activists show no sign of leaving the streets with 22 consecutive weekends of unrest. This summer's first protests in which millions marched were sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions to the mainland. But as Beijing took a hardline the movement snowballed. Protesters are demanding an inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections.

Five wounded as knife attack caps day of Hong Kong political chaos

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will discuss how to make it easier for people in the Chinese-ruled city, rocked by violent anti-China protests overnight, to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday.

Lam, despised by pro-democracy protesters in the former British colony, will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a meeting the next day of the "leading group" for developing the Greater Bay Area of southern China.

The group has already met twice, "endorsing a number of measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to develop, work and reside in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, as well as strengthen the convenient flow of people and goods", her office said.

The idea was to attract "high-end talent" from Hong Kong with tax breaks and encourage "innovation and entrepreneurship" from young people in Hong Kong and Macau.

Lam has promoted the Greater Bay Area as a way to provide jobs for people in Hong Kong and ease social tension.

"...After everything has been settled (in Hong Kong), the country (China) will be there to help with maybe positive measures, especially in the Greater Bay Area," Lam told businesspeople in Hong Kong in August.

The megalopolis of the Greater Bay Area is made up of nine mainland cities, including Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to China in 1999.

An increasing number of Hong Kong people are already moving outside the densely populated financial hub - one of the world's most expensive cities - to the mainland.

Anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, turned parts of the main island into battlegrounds on Saturday, furious at Communist Party leaders in Beijing and perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, a charge China denies.

They have trashed Hong Kong businesses seen as being pro-China and in July daubed China's Liaison Office, the key symbol of Chinese sovereignty, with graffiti.

Cleaners swept up broken glass at the Hong Kong office of China's official news agency Xinhua on Sunday, one of the buildings vandalised on the 22nd straight weekend of protests when activists hurled petrol bombs and set fire to metro stations.

Xinhua condemned the attack by what it said were "barbaric thugs" who broke doors and security systems and threw fire and paint bombs into the lobby.

"The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post.

Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon at protesters during Saturday and early Sunday, as the violence spilled from Hong Kong island across the harbour to Kowloon. One of the protesters' key demands is an independent probe into perceived police brutality.

Riot police were on standby in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, a frequent venue for violent protests, on Sunday and were questioning youths in the New Territories town of Sha Tin.

"Stop bullying kids," people shouted at them.

Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees its freedoms for 50 years. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a garrison in Hong Kong but troops have remained in barracks since the protests began.

Protesters last month targeted a PLA barracks with lasers prompting troops to hoist a banner warning they could be arrested. Senior PLA officers have said violence will not be tolerated.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will discuss how to make it easier for people in the Chinese-ruled city, rocked by violent anti-China protests overnight, to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will discuss how to make it easier for people in the Chinese-ruled city, rocked by violent anti-China protests overnight, to live and work on the mainland, her office said on Sunday. Lam, despised by pro-democracy protesters in the former British colony, will arrive in Beijing on Tuesday for a meeting the next day of the "leading group" for developing the Greater Bay Area of southern China. The group has already met twice, "endorsing a number of measures to facilitate Hong Kong people to develop, work and reside in the mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, as well as strengthen the convenient flow of people and goods", her office said. The idea was to attract "high-end talent" from Hong Kong with tax breaks and encourage "innovation and entrepreneurship" from young people in Hong Kong and Macau. Lam has promoted the Greater Bay Area as a way to provide jobs for people in Hong Kong and ease social tension. "...After everything has been settled (in Hong Kong), the country (China) will be there to help with maybe positive measures, especially in the Greater Bay Area," Lam told businesspeople in Hong Kong in August. The megalopolis of the Greater Bay Area is made up of nine mainland cities, including Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to China in 1999. An increasing number of Hong Kong people are already moving outside the densely populated financial hub - one of the world's most expensive cities - to the mainland. Anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, turned parts of the main island into battlegrounds on Saturday, furious at Communist Party leaders in Beijing and perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, a charge China denies. They have trashed Hong Kong businesses seen as being pro-China and in July daubed China's Liaison Office, the key symbol of Chinese sovereignty, with graffiti. Cleaners swept up broken glass at the Hong Kong office of China's official news agency Xinhua on Sunday, one of the buildings vandalised on the 22nd straight weekend of protests when activists hurled petrol bombs and set fire to metro stations. Xinhua condemned the attack by what it said were "barbaric thugs" who broke doors and security systems and threw fire and paint bombs into the lobby. "The practice of the black rioters once again shows that 'stopping the violence and restoring order' is Hong Kong's most important and urgent task at present," a spokesperson for Xinhua said in a Facebook post. Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and a water cannon at protesters during Saturday and early Sunday, as the violence spilled from Hong Kong island across the harbour to Kowloon. One of the protesters' key demands is an independent probe into perceived police brutality. Riot police were on standby in the Kowloon district of Mong Kok, a frequent venue for violent protests, on Sunday and were questioning youths in the New Territories town of Sha Tin. "Stop bullying kids," people shouted at them. Hong Kong returned to China under a "one country, two systems" formula which guarantees its freedoms for 50 years. China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has a garrison in Hong Kong but troops have remained in barracks since the protests began. Protesters last month targeted a PLA barracks with lasers prompting troops to hoist a banner warning they could be arrested. Senior PLA officers have said violence will not be tolerated.

Hong Kong's Lam to discuss helping people to live and work in mainland China

Hong Kong police fired volley after volley of tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of anti-government protesters, many in black and wearing masks, in Victoria Park, a traditional venue for demonstrations and vigils, and surrounding streets.

It was an early, fast response to a rally billed as an "emergency call" for autonomy for the former British colony that was promised its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The fast-moving crowds headed to the park through the Causeway Bay shopping district, some pulling up metal fencing to build street barricades, their actions masked by others holding umbrellas. Activists threw at least one petrol bomb.

Many sang the British and US national anthems, waving multi-national flags and a few calling for independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing who have vowed to crush any such move.

Police using loud-hailers warned them to disperse, saying they would be prosecuted for holding an illegal assembly on the 22nd straight weekend of protest.

Police raised the black flag, warning of tear gas, with activists running in all directions around the park.

Anti-riot Police Tactical Unit vans were already in waiting on the narrow side-streets around the Central business district to the west, the marchers' destination later in the afternoon.

Protesters have taken to the streets for five months of sometimes violent unrest, angry at perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, including its legal system. China denies the charge.

Activists have attacked police with petrol bombs, set street fires and trashed government buildings and businesses seen as pro-Beijing.

One policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife last month.

Police have responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds. Several people have been wounded.

Saturday's rally was not given official police permission, as is required, but that has not stopped people gathering in the past. Face masks were banned under a resuscitated colonial-era emergency law.

“It does not make sense (for this assembly to be unauthorised)," said one protester, 55, who only gave her name as Lulu. "This is our human right... The global support is very important. We are not only in Hong Kong. The whole world supports Hong Kong.”

Simon Tse, 84, came with his two daughters.

"I haven’t joined a protest on the street since the October 1 march which became quite violent," he told Reuters. "But today I am joining because we are calling for international support, urging help from 15 countries. This is the last chance for Hong Kong people.”

Government data on Thursday confirmed that Hong Kong slid into recession in the third quarter for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008. Retail sales fell 18.3% in value in September from a year earlier, an eighth consecutive month of decline.

Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous "special administrative region" of China according to the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to Chinese rule.

Hong Kong police fired volley after volley of tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of anti-government protesters, many in black and wearing masks, in Victoria Park, a traditional venue for demonstrations and vigils, and surrounding streets.

Hong Kong police fired volley after volley of tear gas to break up a demonstration by thousands of anti-government protesters, many in black and wearing masks, in Victoria Park, a traditional venue for demonstrations and vigils, and surrounding streets. It was an early, fast response to a rally billed as an "emergency call" for autonomy for the former British colony that was promised its freedoms when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The fast-moving crowds headed to the park through the Causeway Bay shopping district, some pulling up metal fencing to build street barricades, their actions masked by others holding umbrellas. Activists threw at least one petrol bomb. Many sang the British and US national anthems, waving multi-national flags and a few calling for independence, a red line for Communist Party leaders in Beijing who have vowed to crush any such move. Police using loud-hailers warned them to disperse, saying they would be prosecuted for holding an illegal assembly on the 22nd straight weekend of protest. Police raised the black flag, warning of tear gas, with activists running in all directions around the park. Anti-riot Police Tactical Unit vans were already in waiting on the narrow side-streets around the Central business district to the west, the marchers' destination later in the afternoon. Protesters have taken to the streets for five months of sometimes violent unrest, angry at perceived Chinese meddling with Hong Kong's freedoms, including its legal system. China denies the charge. Activists have attacked police with petrol bombs, set street fires and trashed government buildings and businesses seen as pro-Beijing. One policeman was slashed in the neck with a knife last month. Police have responded with tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, rubber bullets and occasional live rounds. Several people have been wounded. Saturday's rally was not given official police permission, as is required, but that has not stopped people gathering in the past. Face masks were banned under a resuscitated colonial-era emergency law. “It does not make sense (for this assembly to be unauthorised)," said one protester, 55, who only gave her name as Lulu. "This is our human right... The global support is very important. We are not only in Hong Kong. The whole world supports Hong Kong.” Simon Tse, 84, came with his two daughters. "I haven’t joined a protest on the street since the October 1 march which became quite violent," he told Reuters. "But today I am joining because we are calling for international support, urging help from 15 countries. This is the last chance for Hong Kong people.” Government data on Thursday confirmed that Hong Kong slid into recession in the third quarter for the first time since the global financial crisis of 2008. Retail sales fell 18.3% in value in September from a year earlier, an eighth consecutive month of decline. Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous "special administrative region" of China according to the "one country, two systems" formula under which it returned to Chinese rule.

Defying China warning, Hong Kong protesters gather for anti-government demonstration

China warned Friday it would not tolerate any challenge to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-braces-for-mass-rally-over-weekend-after-halloween-clashes-259185">Hong Kong's</a> governing system, as it laid out plans to boost patriotism in the city and change how its leader is chosen or removed after months of pro-democracy protests.

Beijing also said it would brook no foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs as it discussed the unrest in the semi-autonomous city at a major, four-day meeting of the Communist Party chaired by President Xi Jinping, according to a senior party cadre.&nbsp;

The central government in Beijing has so far voiced its confidence in Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and the city police to put a lid on the increasingly violent protests.

But all eyes have been on whether the party leadership will assert more control over the situation if the demonstrations spin out of control.

The former British colony has been rocked by months of protests with citizens lampooning the city's pro-Beijing leaders and erosion of basic rights.

Shen Chunyao, director of the Hong Kong, Macau and Basic Law Commission, said party leaders at the meeting in Beijing agreed to "further improve the central government's system of governance over the region" and maintain its "long-term prosperity and stability."

China, he added, would "never tolerate any act" that aims to split the country or endanger national security.

Elements of the People's Armed Police were deployed over the summer in Shenzhen, the city bordering Hong Kong, fuelling speculation that Beijing might be prepared to intervene if necessary.

The paramilitary group was seen conducting drills with assault rifles fitted with bayonets at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday.

Watch - Hong Kong: Five months of protests take a toll on the economy

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'Lip service'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-falls-into-first-recession-in-10-years-as-protests-trade-war-weigh-259138">Hong Kong's</a> chief executive is not directly elected, a source of major friction and a headache for the leaders themselves because they have no popular mandate.

Currently, the city's leader is chosen by a 1,200-strong committee that is stacked with Beijing loyalists.

Lam, who now boasts record-low approval ratings, became a leader in 2016 after securing 777 votes from that committee.

Shen said the party leaders discussed ways "to improve the mechanism of appointing and removing the chief executive and key officials of the Special Administrative Region by the central government."

The legal system of the city will also be improved to "safeguard national security," he said, without providing more details.

Veteran pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said Beijing's comments about improving the way the city's leader is chosen is mere "lip service".

"Hong Kong people have been let down all too often on that issue so I think we can just ignore that 'improvement'," she told AFP.

"We're asking for one man, one vote, minus Beijing's interference."

Political analyst Willy Lam said the comments indicated Beijing was determined to exert "tighter control" over Hong Kong in the future.

"It's to make sure the next chief executive carries out Beijing's orders more effectively that Carrie Lam has done," he told AFP.

"It has nothing to do with democracy."

Shen said China's communist leaders want "patriots to form the main body" of those selected to govern both Hong Kong and Macau.

Beijing Wednesday expressed "approval and support" for the disqualification of Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong from upcoming local elections.

Wong, one of the most prominent figures in the otherwise leaderless pro-democracy movement, accused the Hong Kong government of "political screening" after an election officer ruled his nomination for the November poll invalid.

Strengthening 'Patriotism'

Lecturer Leung Kai-chi, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said changes or improvements would not help unless coupled with an increase in public trust.

"Isn't the current disaster in Hong Kong the best proof?" Leung said.

"It will be self-deceiving if the improvements do not address the recognition issue but merely reiterate the qualifications of the one chosen by the authorities." &nbsp;

The party elite decided this week to step up patriotic education as a way to curb youth-led protests.

Hong Kong officials and teenagers should learn about the constitution, Shen said.

The party also wants to "strengthen the national consciousness and patriotism of Hong Kong and Macau compatriots through the education of history and Chinese culture," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-ends-key-conclave-with-promise-to-protect-hong-kong-259098">Beijing had previously tried to beef up patriotic education</a> in 2012, resulting in a huge backlash from Hong Kong students.

"Hong Kongers will not take this issue lying down," said Mo, referring to new moves to add Communist Party propaganda to the curriculum.

&nbsp;

China warned Friday it would not tolerate any challenge to Hong Kong's governing system, as it laid out plans to boost patriotism in the city and change how its leader is chosen or removed after months of pro-democracy protests.

China warned Friday it would not tolerate any challenge to Hong Kong's governing system, as it laid out plans to boost patriotism in the city and change how its leader is chosen or removed after months of pro-democracy protests. Beijing also said it would brook no foreign interference in Hong Kong affairs as it discussed the unrest in the semi-autonomous city at a major, four-day meeting of the Communist Party chaired by President Xi Jinping, according to a senior party cadre. The central government in Beijing has so far voiced its confidence in Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and the city police to put a lid on the increasingly violent protests. But all eyes have been on whether the party leadership will assert more control over the situation if the demonstrations spin out of control. The former British colony has been rocked by months of protests with citizens lampooning the city's pro-Beijing leaders and erosion of basic rights. Shen Chunyao, director of the Hong Kong, Macau and Basic Law Commission, said party leaders at the meeting in Beijing agreed to "further improve the central government's system of governance over the region" and maintain its "long-term prosperity and stability." China, he added, would "never tolerate any act" that aims to split the country or endanger national security. Elements of the People's Armed Police were deployed over the summer in Shenzhen, the city bordering Hong Kong, fuelling speculation that Beijing might be prepared to intervene if necessary. The paramilitary group was seen conducting drills with assault rifles fitted with bayonets at a sports stadium in Shenzhen on Thursday. Watch - Hong Kong: Five months of protests take a toll on the economy 'Lip service' Hong Kong's chief executive is not directly elected, a source of major friction and a headache for the leaders themselves because they have no popular mandate. Currently, the city's leader is chosen by a 1,200-strong committee that is stacked with Beijing loyalists. Lam, who now boasts record-low approval ratings, became a leader in 2016 after securing 777 votes from that committee. Shen said the party leaders discussed ways "to improve the mechanism of appointing and removing the chief executive and key officials of the Special Administrative Region by the central government." The legal system of the city will also be improved to "safeguard national security," he said, without providing more details. Veteran pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said Beijing's comments about improving the way the city's leader is chosen is mere "lip service". "Hong Kong people have been let down all too often on that issue so I think we can just ignore that 'improvement'," she told AFP. "We're asking for one man, one vote, minus Beijing's interference." Political analyst Willy Lam said the comments indicated Beijing was determined to exert "tighter control" over Hong Kong in the future. "It's to make sure the next chief executive carries out Beijing's orders more effectively that Carrie Lam has done," he told AFP. "It has nothing to do with democracy." Shen said China's communist leaders want "patriots to form the main body" of those selected to govern both Hong Kong and Macau. Beijing Wednesday expressed "approval and support" for the disqualification of Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong from upcoming local elections. Wong, one of the most prominent figures in the otherwise leaderless pro-democracy movement, accused the Hong Kong government of "political screening" after an election officer ruled his nomination for the November poll invalid. Strengthening 'Patriotism' Lecturer Leung Kai-chi, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said changes or improvements would not help unless coupled with an increase in public trust. "Isn't the current disaster in Hong Kong the best proof?" Leung said. "It will be self-deceiving if the improvements do not address the recognition issue but merely reiterate the qualifications of the one chosen by the authorities." The party elite decided this week to step up patriotic education as a way to curb youth-led protests. Hong Kong officials and teenagers should learn about the constitution, Shen said. The party also wants to "strengthen the national consciousness and patriotism of Hong Kong and Macau compatriots through the education of history and Chinese culture," he said. Beijing had previously tried to beef up patriotic education in 2012, resulting in a huge backlash from Hong Kong students. "Hong Kongers will not take this issue lying down," said Mo, referring to new moves to add Communist Party propaganda to the curriculum.

Won't tolerate any act that aims to split the country: China

Hong Kong democracy protesters are planning to hit the streets on Thursday night decked in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-mask-ban-challenged-in-court-ahead-of-halloween-rally-258912">Halloween masks</a> lampooning the city's pro-Beijing leaders, their latest act of defiance against a recent emergency law banning face coverings.

Online forums used to organise the largely leaderless movement are encouraging supporters to descend on one of the city's most popular party streets while police have said they will ramp up spot checks and searches.

The international finance hub has been upended by nearly five months of huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests in which participants routinely use masks to hide their identities.

Earlier this month city leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than fifty years to outlaw face coverings at rallies.

The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China -- but the ban has done little to stop the protests or dissuade people from wearing masks.

Watch: Five months of Hong Kong protests take a toll on the economy

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Protesters have been circulating downloadable face masks for Thursday evening.&nbsp;

One shows Chief Executive Carrie Lam as Batman's nemesis The Joker, another has Secretary for Justice Theresa Cheng looking like Guy Fawkes.&nbsp;

There is also a mask that blends Chinese president Xi Jinping's face with Winnie the Pooh -- AA Milne's "bear of little brain" who is frequently used to lampoon the authoritarian leader and is routinely censored on the mainland as a result.

"This is not a celebration or a party," organisers of the unsanctioned protest wrote on a messaging group. "We are using Halloween to express our demands and dissatisfaction."

Court challenge

Apple Daily, the city's most openly pro-democracy newspaper, also printed a front-page on Thursday with a cutout mask of a policeman and a headline suggesting officers were now "more scary than ghosts".&nbsp;

A police source told AFP their presence would be ramped up around Lan Kwai Fong, a street packed with nightclubs that traditionally holds the city's largest Halloween party.

Officers would demand people remove their masks or facepaint if they were suspected protesters, the source added.

A major subway station nearby will also close at 9 pm while a theme park on the other side of the main island said it was cancelling its annual Halloween-themed party.

Earlier on Thursday activists went to court to challenge the emergency law.

"This is a duel between the rule of law and totalitarianism," lawmaker Dennis Kwok told reporters outside the High Court at the start of a two-day hearing.

The sweeping 1922 emergency law was passed in a single day by then colonial master Britain to deal with striking workers and allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in a time of emergency or public danger.

It was last used by the British in 1967 to help suppress Maoist-backed leftist riots that raged for nearly a year and killed some 50 people.

Lam's use of the law was controversial because it bypassed the Legislative Council, the partially-elected chamber that approves Hong Kong's laws.&nbsp;

Critics said the move also undermined the city's reputation for being a dependable business and legal hub at a time of growing concern over Beijing's control of the city.

The legal challengers also argue it contradicts the city's more recently passed Bill of Rights which states that restrictions on core freedoms can only be justified if there is an emergency or the "life of the nation" is at stake.

When Lam announced the mask ban in early October she publicly declared that the city was not in a state of emergency.

Hong Kong democracy protesters are planning to hit the streets on Thursday night decked in Halloween masks lampooning the city's pro-Beijing leaders, their latest act of defiance against a recent emergency law banning face coverings.

Hong Kong democracy protesters are planning to hit the streets on Thursday night decked in Halloween masks lampooning the city's pro-Beijing leaders, their latest act of defiance against a recent emergency law banning face coverings. Online forums used to organise the largely leaderless movement are encouraging supporters to descend on one of the city's most popular party streets while police have said they will ramp up spot checks and searches. The international finance hub has been upended by nearly five months of huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests in which participants routinely use masks to hide their identities. Earlier this month city leader Carrie Lam invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than fifty years to outlaw face coverings at rallies. The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China -- but the ban has done little to stop the protests or dissuade people from wearing masks. Watch: Five months of Hong Kong protests take a toll on the economy × Protesters have been circulating downloadable face masks for Thursday evening. One shows Chief Executive Carrie Lam as Batman's nemesis The Joker, another has Secretary for Justice Theresa Cheng looking like Guy Fawkes. There is also a mask that blends Chinese president Xi Jinping's face with Winnie the Pooh -- AA Milne's "bear of little brain" who is frequently used to lampoon the authoritarian leader and is routinely censored on the mainland as a result. "This is not a celebration or a party," organisers of the unsanctioned protest wrote on a messaging group. "We are using Halloween to express our demands and dissatisfaction." Court challenge Apple Daily, the city's most openly pro-democracy newspaper, also printed a front-page on Thursday with a cutout mask of a policeman and a headline suggesting officers were now "more scary than ghosts". A police source told AFP their presence would be ramped up around Lan Kwai Fong, a street packed with nightclubs that traditionally holds the city's largest Halloween party. Officers would demand people remove their masks or facepaint if they were suspected protesters, the source added. A major subway station nearby will also close at 9 pm while a theme park on the other side of the main island said it was cancelling its annual Halloween-themed party. Earlier on Thursday activists went to court to challenge the emergency law. "This is a duel between the rule of law and totalitarianism," lawmaker Dennis Kwok told reporters outside the High Court at the start of a two-day hearing. The sweeping 1922 emergency law was passed in a single day by then colonial master Britain to deal with striking workers and allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in a time of emergency or public danger. It was last used by the British in 1967 to help suppress Maoist-backed leftist riots that raged for nearly a year and killed some 50 people. Lam's use of the law was controversial because it bypassed the Legislative Council, the partially-elected chamber that approves Hong Kong's laws. Critics said the move also undermined the city's reputation for being a dependable business and legal hub at a time of growing concern over Beijing's control of the city. The legal challengers also argue it contradicts the city's more recently passed Bill of Rights which states that restrictions on core freedoms can only be justified if there is an emergency or the "life of the nation" is at stake. When Lam announced the mask ban in early October she publicly declared that the city was not in a state of emergency.

Hong Kong activists plan Halloween-themed mask protest

Hong Kong democracy activists went to court on Thursday to challenge an emergency law that bans protesters from wearing masks, as demonstrators vowed to use Halloween parties to defy the restrictions once more.

The international finance hub has been upended by nearly five months of huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests in which participants routinely use masks to hide their identities.

Earlier this month the city's unelected pro-Beijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than fifty years to outlaw face coverings at rallies.

The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China -- but the ban has done little to stop the protests or dissuade people from wearing masks.

The High Court is hearing two challenges in the same sitting. The first, from a student leader, question's the constitutionality of the ban.&nbsp;

Watch: Five months of Hong Kong protests take a toll on the economy

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But the second challenge, lodged by some of the city's best known pro-democracy opposition lawmakers, is much broader. It aims to challenge the entire emergency law used by chief executive Carrie Lam.&nbsp;

"This is a duel between the rule of law and totalitarianism," lawmaker Dennis Kwok told reporters outside court on Thursday.

The sweeping 1922 emergency law was passed in a single day by then colonial master Britain to deal with striking workers and allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in a time of emergency or public danger.

It was last used by the British in 1967 to help suppress Maoist-backed leftist riots that raged for nearly a year and killed some 50 people.

Lam's use of the law was controversial because it bypassed the Legislative Council, the partially-elected chamber that approves Hong Kong's laws.&nbsp;

Critics said the move also undermined the city's reputation for being a dependable business and legal hub at a time of growing concern over Beijing's control of the city.

The legal challengers also argue it contradicts the city's more recently passed Bill of Rights which states that restrictions on core freedoms can only be justified if there is an emergency or the "life of the nation" is at stake.

When Lam announced the mask ban in early October she publicly declared that the city was not in a state of emergency.

The timing of the legal challenge coincides with the latest plan by the largely leaderless movement to defy the law. &nbsp;

Online forums used to organise rallies have been calling on supporters to hit the streets in masks on Thursday evening as the city celebrates Halloween.

Police told the South China Morning Post they were putting some 3,000 officers on standby as well as three water cannon trucks.

A theme park cancelled its annual Halloween party while a subway station near the city's main nightclub street was set to close at 9 pm (1300 GMT).

A police source told SCMP that officers would order revellers to "remove masks if they were chanting slogans instead of celebrating Halloween."

Hong Kong democracy activists went to court on Thursday to challenge an emergency law that bans protesters from wearing masks, as demonstrators vowed to use Halloween parties to defy the restrictions once more.

Hong Kong democracy activists went to court on Thursday to challenge an emergency law that bans protesters from wearing masks, as demonstrators vowed to use Halloween parties to defy the restrictions once more. The international finance hub has been upended by nearly five months of huge, often violent, pro-democracy protests in which participants routinely use masks to hide their identities. Earlier this month the city's unelected pro-Beijing leader invoked colonial-era legislation for the first time in more than fifty years to outlaw face coverings at rallies. The move was seen as a watershed legal moment for the city since its 1997 return by Britain to China -- but the ban has done little to stop the protests or dissuade people from wearing masks. The High Court is hearing two challenges in the same sitting. The first, from a student leader, question's the constitutionality of the ban. Watch: Five months of Hong Kong protests take a toll on the economy × But the second challenge, lodged by some of the city's best known pro-democracy opposition lawmakers, is much broader. It aims to challenge the entire emergency law used by chief executive Carrie Lam. "This is a duel between the rule of law and totalitarianism," lawmaker Dennis Kwok told reporters outside court on Thursday. The sweeping 1922 emergency law was passed in a single day by then colonial master Britain to deal with striking workers and allows the city's leader to make "any regulations whatsoever" in a time of emergency or public danger. It was last used by the British in 1967 to help suppress Maoist-backed leftist riots that raged for nearly a year and killed some 50 people. Lam's use of the law was controversial because it bypassed the Legislative Council, the partially-elected chamber that approves Hong Kong's laws. Critics said the move also undermined the city's reputation for being a dependable business and legal hub at a time of growing concern over Beijing's control of the city. The legal challengers also argue it contradicts the city's more recently passed Bill of Rights which states that restrictions on core freedoms can only be justified if there is an emergency or the "life of the nation" is at stake. When Lam announced the mask ban in early October she publicly declared that the city was not in a state of emergency. The timing of the legal challenge coincides with the latest plan by the largely leaderless movement to defy the law. Online forums used to organise rallies have been calling on supporters to hit the streets in masks on Thursday evening as the city celebrates Halloween. Police told the South China Morning Post they were putting some 3,000 officers on standby as well as three water cannon trucks. A theme park cancelled its annual Halloween party while a subway station near the city's main nightclub street was set to close at 9 pm (1300 GMT). A police source told SCMP that officers would order revellers to "remove masks if they were chanting slogans instead of celebrating Halloween."

Hong Kong mask ban challenged in court ahead of Halloween rally

Hong Kong jeweler Jun Lam has already closed one shop. His remaining outlet sits in an almost deserted shopping mall at the heart of a district regularly hit by sometimes violent protests that have rocked the Chinese-ruled city since June.

Restaurants, hotels and retail outlets like Lam's, many of which cater to mostly mainland Chinese tourists, form a central pillar of a small business sector that employs more than one million people in the city.

But with visitors deterred by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-clear-rally-258401">months of violence</a>, many firms have closed or are struggling to turn a profit.

"It's only a third of the pedestrian flow compared with the past. On some days, almost no shops were open in this mall," Lam said. To stay afloat, he has closed his other store in the New Territories district of Tseun Wan, the site of some violent demonstrations between protesters and police.

When Reuters visited The Capital shopping mall, where Lam's remaining shop sits, almost half the units were closed or emptied.

In the surrounding Tsim Sha Tsui shopping and hotel precinct, many shutters on closed shops bore 'To Let' signs or letters demanding rent from landlords.

Just last Sunday, the district was blanketed in tear gas during cat-and-mouse clashes between police and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-in-hong-kong-continue-rally-against-police-brutality-258386">pro-democracy protesters</a>.

It was the 21st consecutive weekend of protests over fears Beijing is tightening its grip on the territory, the worst political crisis since colonial ruler Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997.

The unrest has dealt a double blow to the financial hub, which was already grappling with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/hong-kong-enters-recession-as-protests-show-no-sign-of-relenting-258425">sluggish economic growth</a>.

Government support has been modest, and there is little optimism amid a record decline in retail sales, rising unemployment and bankruptcies that have started to hit banks' bottom lines.

Larger firms impacted by the protests can often fall back on their wider footprint, access to emergency capital or international business, industry watchers say, but for many small firms there is no such safety net.

"It's a very serious situation," said Brian King, associate dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

"There is no buffer for the owners - it's not easy for them to get loans and there's not a particularly strong welfare system in Hong Kong."

Confirming the city entered recession in the third quarter, the city's finance chief Paul Chan on Sunday urged an end to violence.

Chan earlier this month said at least 100 restaurants have closed due to the unrest with about 2,000 employees affected.

Hong Kong is home to around 340,000 small and medium-sized firms, according to official figures, providing jobs for about 1.3 million people. That accounts for around 45 per cent&nbsp;of total employment, excluding the civil service, and 98 per cent&nbsp;of business units covered by quarterly government surveys.

High street rents in the city, among the most expensive in the world, fell the most since the 1998 Asian financial crisis in the third quarter, while authorities have repeatedly called for landlords to cut rents during the crisis.

But, for many small firms, that may not be enough to stave off closure.

"Many stores are waiting to die," said Bob Yip, operator of Wing Li Dispensary, located on the popular protest route of Causeway Bay on Hong Kong island.

Yip said his business, which mainly caters to tourists from mainland China, has dropped by 80 per cent, while his local custom has dwindled due to regular closures of the transport network during the protests.

Yip said the government was not doing enough to resolve the disputes with pro-democracy demonstrators.

Others say police tactics are making the situation worse.

On Sunday, a tear gas canister landed inside a pharmacy during clashes in Yau Ma Tei district, sending spluttering shoppers and workers fleeing from the cramped, smoke-filled store, local media coverage of the incident showed.

The shopkeeper, surnamed Wu, told local media four representatives of the police visited the store on Monday morning and said they were sorry, without explaining why tear gas was fired at the pharmacy.

"We already half-closed our shutter when the tear gas canister was thrown into our shop suddenly," Wu told local broadcaster RTHK. "We all ran outside. There weren't many people on the streets but the police fired tear gas nevertheless."

Hong Kong jeweler Jun Lam has already closed one shop. His remaining outlet sits in an almost deserted shopping mall at the heart of a district regularly hit by sometimes violent protests that have rocked the Chinese-ruled city since June.

Hong Kong jeweler Jun Lam has already closed one shop. His remaining outlet sits in an almost deserted shopping mall at the heart of a district regularly hit by sometimes violent protests that have rocked the Chinese-ruled city since June. Restaurants, hotels and retail outlets like Lam's, many of which cater to mostly mainland Chinese tourists, form a central pillar of a small business sector that employs more than one million people in the city. But with visitors deterred by months of violence, many firms have closed or are struggling to turn a profit. "It's only a third of the pedestrian flow compared with the past. On some days, almost no shops were open in this mall," Lam said. To stay afloat, he has closed his other store in the New Territories district of Tseun Wan, the site of some violent demonstrations between protesters and police. When Reuters visited The Capital shopping mall, where Lam's remaining shop sits, almost half the units were closed or emptied. In the surrounding Tsim Sha Tsui shopping and hotel precinct, many shutters on closed shops bore 'To Let' signs or letters demanding rent from landlords. Just last Sunday, the district was blanketed in tear gas during cat-and-mouse clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters. It was the 21st consecutive weekend of protests over fears Beijing is tightening its grip on the territory, the worst political crisis since colonial ruler Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997. The unrest has dealt a double blow to the financial hub, which was already grappling with sluggish economic growth. Government support has been modest, and there is little optimism amid a record decline in retail sales, rising unemployment and bankruptcies that have started to hit banks' bottom lines. Larger firms impacted by the protests can often fall back on their wider footprint, access to emergency capital or international business, industry watchers say, but for many small firms there is no such safety net. "It's a very serious situation," said Brian King, associate dean of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. "There is no buffer for the owners - it's not easy for them to get loans and there's not a particularly strong welfare system in Hong Kong." Confirming the city entered recession in the third quarter, the city's finance chief Paul Chan on Sunday urged an end to violence. Chan earlier this month said at least 100 restaurants have closed due to the unrest with about 2,000 employees affected. Hong Kong is home to around 340,000 small and medium-sized firms, according to official figures, providing jobs for about 1.3 million people. That accounts for around 45 per cent of total employment, excluding the civil service, and 98 per cent of business units covered by quarterly government surveys. High street rents in the city, among the most expensive in the world, fell the most since the 1998 Asian financial crisis in the third quarter, while authorities have repeatedly called for landlords to cut rents during the crisis. But, for many small firms, that may not be enough to stave off closure. "Many stores are waiting to die," said Bob Yip, operator of Wing Li Dispensary, located on the popular protest route of Causeway Bay on Hong Kong island. Yip said his business, which mainly caters to tourists from mainland China, has dropped by 80 per cent, while his local custom has dwindled due to regular closures of the transport network during the protests. Yip said the government was not doing enough to resolve the disputes with pro-democracy demonstrators. Others say police tactics are making the situation worse. On Sunday, a tear gas canister landed inside a pharmacy during clashes in Yau Ma Tei district, sending spluttering shoppers and workers fleeing from the cramped, smoke-filled store, local media coverage of the incident showed. The shopkeeper, surnamed Wu, told local media four representatives of the police visited the store on Monday morning and said they were sorry, without explaining why tear gas was fired at the pharmacy. "We already half-closed our shutter when the tear gas canister was thrown into our shop suddenly," Wu told local broadcaster RTHK. "We all ran outside. There weren't many people on the streets but the police fired tear gas nevertheless."

Hong Kong shops shutter as months of protest darken economic gloom

Hong Kong has fallen into recession, hit by more than five months of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-in-hong-kong-continue-rally-against-police-brutality-258386">anti-government protests</a> that show no signs of relenting, and is unlikely to achieve annual economic growth this year, the city's Financial Secretary said.

"The blow to our economy is comprehensive," Paul Chan said in a blog post on Sunday, adding that a preliminary estimate for third-quarter GDP on Thursday would show two successive quarters of contraction - the technical definition of a recession.

He also said it would be "extremely difficult" to achieve the government's pre-protest forecast of 0-1 per cent&nbsp;annual economic growth.

Protests in the former British colony have reached their<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-erupt-in-hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-clear-rally-258401"> 21st week</a>. On Sunday, black-clad and masked demonstrators set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

Protesters have routinely torched store fronts and businesses including banks, particularly those owned by mainland Chinese companies and vandalised the city's metro system<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952"> MTR Corp </a>as they view it as acting at the government's behest to curtail protests.

The MTR has shut services early for the past few weeks and said it will close around two hours earlier than normal on Monday by 11 p.m. to repair damaged facilities.

Tourists numbers have plummeted, a decline Chan called an "emergency" with the drop in visitor numbers worsening in October, down nearly 50 percent.

Retail operators, from prime shopping malls to mom and pop businesses, have been forced to shutter for multiple days over the past few months.

While authorities have announced measures to support local small and medium seized enterprises, Chan said the measures could only "slightly reduce the pressure".

"Let citizens return to normal life, let industry and commerce to operate normally, and create more space for rational dialogue," he wrote.

Protesters are angry about what they view as increasing interference by Beijing in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland.

China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Hong Kong has fallen into recession, hit by more than five months of anti-government protests that show no signs of relenting, and is unlikely to achieve annual economic growth this year, the city's Financial Secretary said.

Hong Kong has fallen into recession, hit by more than five months of anti-government protests that show no signs of relenting, and is unlikely to achieve annual economic growth this year, the city's Financial Secretary said. "The blow to our economy is comprehensive," Paul Chan said in a blog post on Sunday, adding that a preliminary estimate for third-quarter GDP on Thursday would show two successive quarters of contraction - the technical definition of a recession. He also said it would be "extremely difficult" to achieve the government's pre-protest forecast of 0-1 per cent annual economic growth. Protests in the former British colony have reached their 21st week. On Sunday, black-clad and masked demonstrators set fire to shops and hurled petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. Protesters have routinely torched store fronts and businesses including banks, particularly those owned by mainland Chinese companies and vandalised the city's metro system MTR Corp as they view it as acting at the government's behest to curtail protests. The MTR has shut services early for the past few weeks and said it will close around two hours earlier than normal on Monday by 11 p.m. to repair damaged facilities. Tourists numbers have plummeted, a decline Chan called an "emergency" with the drop in visitor numbers worsening in October, down nearly 50 percent. Retail operators, from prime shopping malls to mom and pop businesses, have been forced to shutter for multiple days over the past few months. While authorities have announced measures to support local small and medium seized enterprises, Chan said the measures could only "slightly reduce the pressure". "Let citizens return to normal life, let industry and commerce to operate normally, and create more space for rational dialogue," he wrote. Protesters are angry about what they view as increasing interference by Beijing in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula intended to guarantee freedoms not seen on the mainland. China denies meddling. It has accused foreign governments, including the United States and Britain, of stirring up trouble.

Hong Kong enters recession as protests show no sign of relenting

China wants a stable situation in Hong Kong before Carrie Lam goes

China wants Carrie Lam to step down?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blocks-almost-a-quarter-of-accredited-foreign-news-sites-watchdog-257490">Beijing</a> is drawing up a plan to remove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-abandons-speech-after-heckles-from-lawmakers-256227">Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam</a>, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

The pro-Beijing leader has faced sustained criticism from protesters in the semi-autonomous city.

So far the central government in Beijing has given its support to her and the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-pledges-more-aid-to-battered-city-no-end-in-sight-to-unrest-257531">Hong Kong</a> police, calling the demonstrators "rioters" and condemning the violence.&nbsp;

But according to the FT report, which quoted unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, the Chinese government is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive.

However, sources told the newspaper that the plan would be dependent on the situation in the city first stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence.

Lam's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Hong Kong has now been battered by 20 weeks of protests and with no political solution in sight, clashes have intensified each month.

Earlier this month, Lam -- who has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters -- invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks, setting off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network.

If President Xi Jinping decided to go ahead with the plan to remove Lam, the report said her replacement would be installed by March.

Leading candidates being considered to replace Lam reportedly include Norman Chan, former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory’s financial secretary and chief secretary for administration.&nbsp;

A leaked audio recording emerged in September of Lam saying she would quit if she had a choice -- although she later said she had not contemplated standing down.

Lam has faced a series of political difficulties since the city's legislature returned for a new session last week.&nbsp;

She was unable to give her State of the Union-style policy speech after pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly interrupted her, forcing her to deliver the address via a pre-recorded video.

Beijing is drawing up a plan to remove Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

Beijing is drawing up a plan to remove Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest. The pro-Beijing leader has faced sustained criticism from protesters in the semi-autonomous city. So far the central government in Beijing has given its support to her and the Hong Kong police, calling the demonstrators "rioters" and condemning the violence. But according to the FT report, which quoted unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, the Chinese government is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive. However, sources told the newspaper that the plan would be dependent on the situation in the city first stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. Lam's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Hong Kong has now been battered by 20 weeks of protests and with no political solution in sight, clashes have intensified each month. Earlier this month, Lam -- who has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters -- invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks, setting off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network. If President Xi Jinping decided to go ahead with the plan to remove Lam, the report said her replacement would be installed by March. Leading candidates being considered to replace Lam reportedly include Norman Chan, former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory’s financial secretary and chief secretary for administration. A leaked audio recording emerged in September of Lam saying she would quit if she had a choice -- although she later said she had not contemplated standing down. Lam has faced a series of political difficulties since the city's legislature returned for a new session last week. She was unable to give her State of the Union-style policy speech after pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly interrupted her, forcing her to deliver the address via a pre-recorded video.

China plans to replace Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam: Report

China's foreign ministry denied reports which claimed Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam was set to be replaced, just hours after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-legislature-officially-kills-controversial-extradition-bill-257668">controversial extradition bill</a> was officially withdrawn.

On the issue of replacing Carrie Lam, China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said: "It is political rumour with ulterior motives behind it." The spokesman said the central government would continue to "firmly support Lam&nbsp;and Hong Kong government's efforts to stop the violence and restore order as soon as possible."&nbsp;

London's Financial Times newspaper had reported that Beijing planned to remove Lam after five months of protests in Hong Kong which had paralysed the city. The FT report quoting unnamed figures had said that Chinese authorities were drawing up plans to replace&nbsp;Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-wants-carrie-lam-to-step-down-257657/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Protesters in Hong Kong had continually called for Lam's resignation even as Chinese authorities backed her as violence spread in the city over the extradition bill. Carrie Lam had said for months that the bill was as good as dead while adding that other demands, including universal suffrage and amnesty for all those charged with rioting, were beyond her control.

The Financial Times newspaper said the plan was dependent on the situation stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. The report came on the same day as Hong Kong officially decided to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-taiwan-authorities-clash-as-murder-suspect-walks-free-257724">withdraw the extradition bill</a> which had led to five months of street protests leading to largescale violence.

The leading candidates to succeed Lam include Norman Chan, the former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory's financial secretary and chief secretary for administration, the report claimed. 
&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry denied reports which claimed Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam was set to be replaced, just hours after the controversial extradition bill was officially withdrawn.

China's foreign ministry denied reports which claimed Hong Kong's chief executive Carrie Lam was set to be replaced, just hours after the controversial extradition bill was officially withdrawn. On the issue of replacing Carrie Lam, China's foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said: "It is political rumour with ulterior motives behind it." The spokesman said the central government would continue to "firmly support Lam and Hong Kong government's efforts to stop the violence and restore order as soon as possible." London's Financial Times newspaper had reported that Beijing planned to remove Lam after five months of protests in Hong Kong which had paralysed the city. The FT report quoting unnamed figures had said that Chinese authorities were drawing up plans to replace Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive. Watch Video: Protesters in Hong Kong had continually called for Lam's resignation even as Chinese authorities backed her as violence spread in the city over the extradition bill. Carrie Lam had said for months that the bill was as good as dead while adding that other demands, including universal suffrage and amnesty for all those charged with rioting, were beyond her control. The Financial Times newspaper said the plan was dependent on the situation stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. The report came on the same day as Hong Kong officially decided to withdraw the extradition bill which had led to five months of street protests leading to largescale violence. The leading candidates to succeed Lam include Norman Chan, the former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory's financial secretary and chief secretary for administration, the report claimed.

Firmly support Carrie Lam and Hong Kong government's effort to stop violence: Chinese foreign ministry

Hong Kong's legislature on Wednesday (October 23) formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-plans-to-replace-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-report-257610"> mainland China</a>, after enduring five months of unrest in the city.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June. An earlier opportunity to withdraw was lost last Wednesday (October 16) when pro-democracy lawmakers heckled Lam and forced the suspension of the parliament.

If the bill was passed into law, residents could be extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary.

Despite the withdrawal, Hong Kong is not likely to see an end to months of unrest, as the move met just one of five demands of pro-democracy protesters, who were also calling for Lam to stand down and for an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality.

Hong Kong's legislature on Wednesday (October 23) formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, after enduring five months of unrest in the city.

Hong Kong's legislature on Wednesday (October 23) formally withdrew planned legislation that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, after enduring five months of unrest in the city. Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June. An earlier opportunity to withdraw was lost last Wednesday (October 16) when pro-democracy lawmakers heckled Lam and forced the suspension of the parliament. If the bill was passed into law, residents could be extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary. Despite the withdrawal, Hong Kong is not likely to see an end to months of unrest, as the move met just one of five demands of pro-democracy protesters, who were also calling for Lam to stand down and for an independent inquiry into perceived police brutality.

Hong Kong legislature officially kills controversial extradition bill

Hong Kong's embattled government announced extra financial support on Tuesday for the Chinese-ruled city battered by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-and-water-cannon-as-crowds-defy-hong-kong-rally-ban-257060">political unrest</a> and facing its first recession in a decade.

Massive and violent anti-government protests over the past five months have shaken Hong Kong's reputation as an Asian financial centre and damaged its all important tourism and retail sectors, with many businesses forced to close.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced relief measures of $255 million&nbsp;to support the city's economy, particularly in its transport, tourism and retail industries.

"Since the economic situation is worsening quite fast, we rolled out this package to target certain sectors which are hard hit," Chan told a news conference.

The move follows a $2.4 billion&nbsp;package in August to support the underprivileged and businesses, and Chan said more assistance would be given if needed. The support measures would ultimately increase the "probability of a fiscal deficit", but the government's finances were strong, he said.

A government colleague said the best medicine for the economy would be fewer, less violent protests.

"If society could come to harmony, with less demonstrations, and perhaps the stoppage of violence, that would help even more than what we can offer," Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan told the news conference.

As yet, there seems no end in sight to the pro-democracy protests, or the violent ways of hardcore activists who have fought with police, throwing petrol bombs and bricks.

After a few weeks of relative calm, a massive march on Sunday by tens of thousands of protesters, ranging from young students to the elderly, descended in chaos with riot police and black-clad protesters staging running clashes into the night.

On Monday night riot police again fired tear gas to disperse smaller <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-democracy-crowds-defy-police-after-activists-attacked-257019">groups of protesters</a> and were jeered by angry residents who believe police are using excessive force.

The unrest was sparked by concerns Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong and has developed into worst political crisis since Britain handed the city back to China in 1997.

It also poses the biggest popular challenge to China's President Xi Jinping since he came to power. Xi has warned he would crush any attempt to split China.

China has rejected charges it is eroding Hong Kong's freedoms under a "one country, two systems" rule which allows the city 's residents more freedoms than on the mainland.

Beijing says nations, like Britain and the United States, are inciting the unrest.

During the clashes the past few months, police have fired more than 3,000 rounds of tear gas and hundreds of rubber bullets against protesters throwing petrol bombs and bricks. Police said protesters detonated a small home made bomb, but no one was hurt.

Two people have been shot and wounded by police and thousands injured since the protests escalated in June. More than 2,600 people have been arrested, one as young as 12.

The Hong Kong government will have a chance on Wednesday to formally withdraw a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extradition-bill-fury-likely-to-fuel-numbers-at-hong-kong-annual-rally-231787"> China extradition bill</a>, one of the protesters five demands, when it receives a second reading in the Legislative Council.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June, but it has still to be formally withdrawn.

An earlier opportunity was lost last Wednesday when heckling pro-democracy lawmakers forced the suspension of the parliament.

If the bill was passed into law, residents could extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary.

Even if the government does withdraw it, the move is not expected to end the unrest which has widened into a pro-democracy movement fuelled by grievances such as social inequality and claims of police brutality.

Protesters are now also demanding universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police actions, an amnesty for those arrested in protests, and an end to labelling protesters as rioters. Rioting carries a maximum 10-year jail term.

Lam has rejected those four demands, steadfastly defending police actions and calling for protesters to stop the violence.

She has further infuriated protesters by invoking a colonial-era emergency law banning face masks at pubic rallies. Protesters and residents have been defying the ban, despite the risk of a maximum one-year jail term.

Hong Kong's embattled government announced extra financial support on Tuesday for the Chinese-ruled city battered by political unrest and facing its first recession in a decade.

Hong Kong's embattled government announced extra financial support on Tuesday for the Chinese-ruled city battered by political unrest and facing its first recession in a decade. Massive and violent anti-government protests over the past five months have shaken Hong Kong's reputation as an Asian financial centre and damaged its all important tourism and retail sectors, with many businesses forced to close. Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced relief measures of $255 million to support the city's economy, particularly in its transport, tourism and retail industries. "Since the economic situation is worsening quite fast, we rolled out this package to target certain sectors which are hard hit," Chan told a news conference. The move follows a $2.4 billion package in August to support the underprivileged and businesses, and Chan said more assistance would be given if needed. The support measures would ultimately increase the "probability of a fiscal deficit", but the government's finances were strong, he said. A government colleague said the best medicine for the economy would be fewer, less violent protests. "If society could come to harmony, with less demonstrations, and perhaps the stoppage of violence, that would help even more than what we can offer," Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan told the news conference. As yet, there seems no end in sight to the pro-democracy protests, or the violent ways of hardcore activists who have fought with police, throwing petrol bombs and bricks. After a few weeks of relative calm, a massive march on Sunday by tens of thousands of protesters, ranging from young students to the elderly, descended in chaos with riot police and black-clad protesters staging running clashes into the night. On Monday night riot police again fired tear gas to disperse smaller groups of protesters and were jeered by angry residents who believe police are using excessive force. The unrest was sparked by concerns Beijing was tightening its grip on Hong Kong and has developed into worst political crisis since Britain handed the city back to China in 1997. It also poses the biggest popular challenge to China's President Xi Jinping since he came to power. Xi has warned he would crush any attempt to split China. China has rejected charges it is eroding Hong Kong's freedoms under a "one country, two systems" rule which allows the city 's residents more freedoms than on the mainland. Beijing says nations, like Britain and the United States, are inciting the unrest. During the clashes the past few months, police have fired more than 3,000 rounds of tear gas and hundreds of rubber bullets against protesters throwing petrol bombs and bricks. Police said protesters detonated a small home made bomb, but no one was hurt. Two people have been shot and wounded by police and thousands injured since the protests escalated in June. More than 2,600 people have been arrested, one as young as 12. The Hong Kong government will have a chance on Wednesday to formally withdraw a China extradition bill, one of the protesters five demands, when it receives a second reading in the Legislative Council. Chief Executive Carrie Lam had reluctantly agreed to pull the bill two-and-a-half months after protests erupted in June, but it has still to be formally withdrawn. An earlier opportunity was lost last Wednesday when heckling pro-democracy lawmakers forced the suspension of the parliament. If the bill was passed into law, residents could extradited to Communist Party-controlled courts in mainland China, and it was seen as the latest attempt by Beijing to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, which enjoys an independent judiciary. Even if the government does withdraw it, the move is not expected to end the unrest which has widened into a pro-democracy movement fuelled by grievances such as social inequality and claims of police brutality. Protesters are now also demanding universal suffrage, an independent inquiry into police actions, an amnesty for those arrested in protests, and an end to labelling protesters as rioters. Rioting carries a maximum 10-year jail term. Lam has rejected those four demands, steadfastly defending police actions and calling for protesters to stop the violence. She has further infuriated protesters by invoking a colonial-era emergency law banning face masks at pubic rallies. Protesters and residents have been defying the ban, despite the risk of a maximum one-year jail term.

Hong Kong government pledges more aid to battered city, no end in sight to unrest

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader and the city's police chief visited a mosque on Monday that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent protests.

The entrance to the Kowloon Mosque, the international hub's largest, was sprayed by a water cannon truck on Sunday, causing anger among both local Muslims and protesters.

Police use the dye, often mixed with an irritant, as a way to identify protesters but it has frequently left streets and buildings daubed in a garish blue.

Video footage shot Sunday showed the truck pulling up outside the building during confrontations with protesters, pausing and then spraying around half a dozen journalists and bystanders who were gathered on the street outside.

The group, who did not <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-to-visit-japan-after-huge-rally-night-of-violence-257151">appear to be protesters</a>, was struck twice, with much of the bright blue jet painting the mosque's entrance and steps.

Police released a statement on Sunday saying the mosque was hit by mistake but did not apologise.

On Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and police chief Stephen Lo paid a brief visit to the mosque, surrounded by a phalanx of security guards.

They emerged some 20 minutes later without speaking to the media.

Mosque representatives told reporters that the two had apologised for the water cannon incident and that the apology had been accepted.

The representatives also thanked worshippers and Hong Kongers who flocked to clean the mosque soon after the incident.

The original Kowloon Mosque was built in the late nineteenth century to cater for Muslim soldiers from British-ruled India.

It was rebuilt in the early 1980s and remains a centre of Hong Kong's 300,000-strong Muslim community.

Lam's office and the police did not respond to requests for comment on the visit.

A police source told AFP the commissioner did apologise and further details would be released later in the day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tear-gas-and-water-cannon-as-crowds-defy-hong-kong-rally-ban-257060">Hong Kong was convulsed by another day of violence on Sunday</a> as the city nears five months of seething pro-democracy protests.

Tens of thousands joined an unauthorised but peaceful afternoon rally which quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters threw petrol bombs and rocks at a police station, mainland China businesses and multiple subway station entrances.

Police responded with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes that lasted well into the night.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader and the city's police chief visited a mosque on Monday that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent protests.

Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader and the city's police chief visited a mosque on Monday that was struck with blue dye from a water cannon during the latest bout of violent protests. The entrance to the Kowloon Mosque, the international hub's largest, was sprayed by a water cannon truck on Sunday, causing anger among both local Muslims and protesters. Police use the dye, often mixed with an irritant, as a way to identify protesters but it has frequently left streets and buildings daubed in a garish blue. Video footage shot Sunday showed the truck pulling up outside the building during confrontations with protesters, pausing and then spraying around half a dozen journalists and bystanders who were gathered on the street outside. The group, who did not appear to be protesters, was struck twice, with much of the bright blue jet painting the mosque's entrance and steps. Police released a statement on Sunday saying the mosque was hit by mistake but did not apologise. On Monday, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and police chief Stephen Lo paid a brief visit to the mosque, surrounded by a phalanx of security guards. They emerged some 20 minutes later without speaking to the media. Mosque representatives told reporters that the two had apologised for the water cannon incident and that the apology had been accepted. The representatives also thanked worshippers and Hong Kongers who flocked to clean the mosque soon after the incident. The original Kowloon Mosque was built in the late nineteenth century to cater for Muslim soldiers from British-ruled India. It was rebuilt in the early 1980s and remains a centre of Hong Kong's 300,000-strong Muslim community. Lam's office and the police did not respond to requests for comment on the visit. A police source told AFP the commissioner did apologise and further details would be released later in the day. Hong Kong was convulsed by another day of violence on Sunday as the city nears five months of seething pro-democracy protests. Tens of thousands joined an unauthorised but peaceful afternoon rally which quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters threw petrol bombs and rocks at a police station, mainland China businesses and multiple subway station entrances. Police responded with water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes that lasted well into the night.

Hong Kong leader visits mosque struck by blue water-cannon dye

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unrest-continuous-in-hong-kong-protesters-call-for-march-256872">illegal march</a> on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters.

But thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of rallies and political unrest.

Tensions were already running high before the march was banned. On Wednesday night the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised</a> by men wielding hammers.

Then on Saturday night a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach.

Footage posted on social media showed the alleged assailant shouting shortly after the knife attack: "Hong Kong is part of China... (You) messed up Hong Kong".

Figo Chan, from the Civil Human Rights Front -- Sham's group -- said democracy supporters needed to show they remained unbowed.

"If we don't come out tomorrow, then violence will prevail and escalate: the violence inflicted by the regime, the police and local triads," he told reporters Saturday.

Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide.

In recent weeks pro-democracy supporters have badly beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests.

In contrast, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way, with at least eight prominent government critics, including politicians, beaten by unknown assailants since mid-August.

Protesters have labelled the attacks "white terror" and accused the city's shadowy organised crime groups of forming an alliance with Beijing supporters.

Beijing has denounced the protests as a foreign-backed plot and condemned attacks on those voicing support for China.

But it has remained largely silent on the attacks carried out against pro-democracy figures.

Security was ramped up ahead of Sunday's march with key subway stations near the gathering shuttered early and a ring of steel thrown up around a nearby terminus for high-speed trains to mainland China.

Hong Kong has been battered by 20 weeks of pro-democracy protests which have seen millions peacefully take to the streets.

But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and smaller groups of hardcore activists.

With no political solution in sight, the clashes have intensified each month.

Hardliners have embraced widespread vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police have responded with increasing volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds.

The rallies were triggered by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. But they morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line.

Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam.

Earlier this month city leader Lam invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks.

The decision set off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network.

In the last fortnight, the clashes have become less intense with the city's subway closing each night at 10pm.

But protests have continued with many defying the mask ban during "flashmob" rallies.

On Friday night thousands gathered outside subway stations in an array of face masks while on Saturday night hundreds of mostly masked protesters held a prayer vigil in the commercial district.

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Large crowds of Hong Kongers defied a police ban and began an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swelled by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters. Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters. But thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of rallies and political unrest. Tensions were already running high before the march was banned. On Wednesday night the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers. Then on Saturday night a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach. Footage posted on social media showed the alleged assailant shouting shortly after the knife attack: "Hong Kong is part of China... (You) messed up Hong Kong". Figo Chan, from the Civil Human Rights Front -- Sham's group -- said democracy supporters needed to show they remained unbowed. "If we don't come out tomorrow, then violence will prevail and escalate: the violence inflicted by the regime, the police and local triads," he told reporters Saturday. Vigilante violence has mounted on both sides of the ideological divide. In recent weeks pro-democracy supporters have badly beaten people who vocally disagree with them -- although those fights tend to be spontaneous outbursts of mob anger during protests. In contrast, pro-democracy figures have been attacked in a noticeably more targeted way, with at least eight prominent government critics, including politicians, beaten by unknown assailants since mid-August. Protesters have labelled the attacks "white terror" and accused the city's shadowy organised crime groups of forming an alliance with Beijing supporters. Beijing has denounced the protests as a foreign-backed plot and condemned attacks on those voicing support for China. But it has remained largely silent on the attacks carried out against pro-democracy figures. Security was ramped up ahead of Sunday's march with key subway stations near the gathering shuttered early and a ring of steel thrown up around a nearby terminus for high-speed trains to mainland China. Hong Kong has been battered by 20 weeks of pro-democracy protests which have seen millions peacefully take to the streets. But there have also been increasingly violent clashes between riot police and smaller groups of hardcore activists. With no political solution in sight, the clashes have intensified each month. Hardliners have embraced widespread vandalism and throwing petrol bombs, while riot police have responded with increasing volleys of tear gas, rubber bullets and, more recently, live rounds. The rallies were triggered by a now-abandoned plan to allow extraditions to the authoritarian mainland. But they morphed into wider calls for democracy and police accountability after Beijing and local leaders took a hard line. Protesters are demanding an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for those arrested and fully free elections, all of which have been rejected by Beijing and Hong Kong's unelected leader Carrie Lam. Earlier this month city leader Lam invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks. The decision set off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network. In the last fortnight, the clashes have become less intense with the city's subway closing each night at 10pm. But protests have continued with many defying the mask ban during "flashmob" rallies. On Friday night thousands gathered outside subway stations in an array of face masks while on Saturday night hundreds of mostly masked protesters held a prayer vigil in the commercial district.

Hong Kong unrest: Democracy crowds defy police after activists attacked

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at Hong Kongers who defied authorities with an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-democracy-crowds-defy-police-after-activists-attacked-257019">illegal march </a>on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">recent stabbing</a>&nbsp;and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters.

But tens of thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless, as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of protests and political unrest.

In a now-familiar pattern, the rally began peacefully but quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters hurled petrol bombs at a police station, subway entrances and at Chinese mainland bank branches.

Police responded with multiple volleys of tear gas.&nbsp;

At one point a water cannon truck chased thousands of protesters down Nathan Road, one of the city's busiest shopping thoroughfares, leaving it streaked with blue-dye from the vehicle's turrets.

The dye, used to identify protesters, also contains a pepper solution which burns the skin on contact.

As the protesters fled the streets, front-liners stayed behind to slow the advance of riot police, setting fire to makeshift barricades.&nbsp;

Tensions were running high after the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers earlier in the week.

Then on Saturday night, a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach, reportedly by an assailant who later shouted pro-Beijing slogans.&nbsp;

Many on Sunday's march said they wanted to show they were unbowed by the attacks and authorities increasingly banning public gatherings.&nbsp;

"The more they suppress, the more we resist," a 69-year-old protester, who gave her surname as Yeung, told AFP. "Can police arrest us all, tens of thousands of people?"

Philip Tsoi, a self-described frontline protester, said they needed to keep getting numbers out even though many more hardcore activists like him had been "arrested or wounded" in recent weeks.&nbsp;

"What I want is a truly democratic government whose leader is elected by Hong Kong people instead of selected by a Communist regime," he told AFP. 
&nbsp;

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at Hong Kongers who defied authorities with an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters.

Police fired water cannon and tear gas at Hong Kongers who defied authorities with an illegal march on Sunday, their numbers swollen by anger over the recent stabbing and beating of two pro-democracy protesters. Authorities had forbidden the march in Tsim Sha Tsui, a densely packed shopping district filled with luxury boutiques and hotels, citing public safety and previous violence from hardcore protesters. But tens of thousands joined the unsanctioned rally regardless, as the movement tries to keep up pressure on the city's pro-Beijing leaders after nearly five months of protests and political unrest. In a now-familiar pattern, the rally began peacefully but quickly descended into chaos as small groups of hardcore protesters hurled petrol bombs at a police station, subway entrances and at Chinese mainland bank branches. Police responded with multiple volleys of tear gas. At one point a water cannon truck chased thousands of protesters down Nathan Road, one of the city's busiest shopping thoroughfares, leaving it streaked with blue-dye from the vehicle's turrets. The dye, used to identify protesters, also contains a pepper solution which burns the skin on contact. As the protesters fled the streets, front-liners stayed behind to slow the advance of riot police, setting fire to makeshift barricades. Tensions were running high after the leader of the group organising the weekend rally, Jimmy Sham, was hospitalised by men wielding hammers earlier in the week. Then on Saturday night, a man handing out pro-democracy flyers was stabbed in the neck and stomach, reportedly by an assailant who later shouted pro-Beijing slogans. Many on Sunday's march said they wanted to show they were unbowed by the attacks and authorities increasingly banning public gatherings. "The more they suppress, the more we resist," a 69-year-old protester, who gave her surname as Yeung, told AFP. "Can police arrest us all, tens of thousands of people?" Philip Tsoi, a self-described frontline protester, said they needed to keep getting numbers out even though many more hardcore activists like him had been "arrested or wounded" in recent weeks. "What I want is a truly democratic government whose leader is elected by Hong Kong people instead of selected by a Communist regime," he told AFP.

Police use tear gas and water cannon as crowds defy Hong Kong rally ban

Hong Kong is preparing for a weekend of demonstrations, including a human chain at major subway lines on Friday and a democracy march on Sunday, the latest moves in more than four months of anti-government protests.

It has been two weeks since Carrie Lam, leader of the Chinese-ruled city, invoked emergency laws for the first time in half a century to ban face masks, hoping to quell protests. Instead, the city has been shaken by some of the most intense unrest to date.

Although the last few days have been relatively calm, with protesters staying off the streets, prominent human rights activist Jimmy Sham was brutally attacked on Wednesday, a move pro-democracy lawmakers said was meant to intimidate protesters and incite violence.

Hundreds of people are expected to join hands outside metro stations in the city on Friday night, including in the central business district, prime shopping centres, the Kowloon peninsula and rural New Territories.

The Civil Human Rights Front, which Sham leads, is one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the former British colony and organised million-strong marches in June. The group has called for a march on Sunday in Kowloon, but police on Friday said the event would not be permitted.

Protesters have ignored such objections in the past and marched anyway.

Previous large marches have seen families and children rally alongside pro-democracy activists over concerns Beijing is tightening its grip on the city in violation of the "one country, two systems" formula, which permits the city freedoms not available on the mainland such as an independent judiciary.

Beijing has rejected claims it is undermining rights in Hong Kong, and has accused foreign countries of fomenting trouble.

During her policy address this week, Lam did not address any of the protesters' demands.

Instead, she announced measures to ease Hong Kong's acute housing shortage - an issue that has partly fuelled anger for the protests because of the city's exorbitant property prices.

Protesters largely brushed off her address, saying they would not give up until all of their demands were met.

Last month, Lam withdrew the controversial extradition bill that kicked off the protests amid concerns it would expose Hong Kongers to the Chinese justice system.

The bill's withdrawal was one of the protesters' key requests, but they say four others - an independent inquiry into police behaviour, a waiver for all people charged in the protests, removing the characterization of the protests as "riots" and universal suffrage - must be addressed.

Many protesters have also called for Lam's resignation.

Hong Kong is preparing for a weekend of demonstrations, including a human chain at major subway lines on Friday and a democracy march on Sunday, the latest moves in more than four months of anti-government protests.

Hong Kong is preparing for a weekend of demonstrations, including a human chain at major subway lines on Friday and a democracy march on Sunday, the latest moves in more than four months of anti-government protests. It has been two weeks since Carrie Lam, leader of the Chinese-ruled city, invoked emergency laws for the first time in half a century to ban face masks, hoping to quell protests. Instead, the city has been shaken by some of the most intense unrest to date. Although the last few days have been relatively calm, with protesters staying off the streets, prominent human rights activist Jimmy Sham was brutally attacked on Wednesday, a move pro-democracy lawmakers said was meant to intimidate protesters and incite violence. Hundreds of people are expected to join hands outside metro stations in the city on Friday night, including in the central business district, prime shopping centres, the Kowloon peninsula and rural New Territories. The Civil Human Rights Front, which Sham leads, is one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the former British colony and organised million-strong marches in June. The group has called for a march on Sunday in Kowloon, but police on Friday said the event would not be permitted. Protesters have ignored such objections in the past and marched anyway. Previous large marches have seen families and children rally alongside pro-democracy activists over concerns Beijing is tightening its grip on the city in violation of the "one country, two systems" formula, which permits the city freedoms not available on the mainland such as an independent judiciary. Beijing has rejected claims it is undermining rights in Hong Kong, and has accused foreign countries of fomenting trouble. During her policy address this week, Lam did not address any of the protesters' demands. Instead, she announced measures to ease Hong Kong's acute housing shortage - an issue that has partly fuelled anger for the protests because of the city's exorbitant property prices. Protesters largely brushed off her address, saying they would not give up until all of their demands were met. Last month, Lam withdrew the controversial extradition bill that kicked off the protests amid concerns it would expose Hong Kongers to the Chinese justice system. The bill's withdrawal was one of the protesters' key requests, but they say four others - an independent inquiry into police behaviour, a waiver for all people charged in the protests, removing the characterization of the protests as "riots" and universal suffrage - must be addressed. Many protesters have also called for Lam's resignation.

Hong Kong braces for weekend of fresh anti-government protests

Rights group Amnesty International has urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Hong Kong authorities</a> to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend.

It was the second such attack on Jimmy Sham, head of the Civil Human Rights Front, since protests escalated in the Asian financial hub in mid-June and which, photographs on social media showed, left him in a pool of blood on the street.

"The authorities must promptly conduct an investigation into this horrifying attack...send a clear message that targeting activists will have consequences," said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty’s East Asia regional office.

"Anything less would send a chilling signal that such attacks are tolerated by the authorities," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

As many as five masked men wearing black and believed to be of non-Chinese origin had attacked Sham with hammers and knives for more than 10 seconds in the gritty Mong Kok district on the Kowloon peninsula, police said late on Wednesday.

Police condemned what they called a planned attack and vowed to investigate. Sham was in stable condition, a government spokesman said.

His group, which organised the million-strong marches in June, plans a march on Sunday in the neighbouring district of Kowloon, but authorities have not yet confirmed it will be permitted.

"It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," the group said in a statement.

Speaking at the city's legislature on Thursday, nearly a dozen pro-democracy lawmakers condemned the attack on Sham and said they would continue to protest.

"This very vicious attack took place practically on the eve of yet another massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday," said Claudia Mo.

"We can’t help feeling that this entire thing is part of a plan to shed blood at Hong Kong’s peaceful protests."

Mo was one of several lawmakers whom security officials escorted out of a question-and-answer session with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday after they heckled her for the second day in a row.

Hong Kong has been roiled by more than four months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in its worst crisis in decades, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012.

What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling freedoms guaranteed by a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

No olive branch

In an annual policy address on Wednesday, the Beijing-backed Lam had offered no direct olive branch to pro-democracy protesters, hoping instead to ease resentment by building more public housing.

The densely populated former British colony has one of the world's most expensive real estate markets and the inability of many young people to get a place of their own has added fuel to the pro-democracy protests.

Unveiling one of the city's boldest housing proposals in years, Lam vowed to take back large tracts of land held by a handful of powerful developers and create public housing.

"We are determined to create homeownership opportunities for people of different income groups such that they will happily make Hong Kong their home," Lam said.

At a news conference, Lam rejected two of the protesters' five demands - amnesty for those charged and universal suffrage - calling the first illegal and the second beyond her power as chief executive.

In a statement after her briefing, Civil Human Rights Front in a statement called for Lam to resign, although she has rejected such calls for months.

"We urge Carrie Lam to stop destroying Hong Kong, respond to the five major demands, and step down," the group said.

Rights group Amnesty International has urged Hong Kong authorities to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend.

Rights group Amnesty International has urged Hong Kong authorities to urgently investigate a bloody attack on the leader of one of the biggest pro-democracy groups in the Chinese-ruled city, ahead of a march planned for the weekend. It was the second such attack on Jimmy Sham, head of the Civil Human Rights Front, since protests escalated in the Asian financial hub in mid-June and which, photographs on social media showed, left him in a pool of blood on the street. "The authorities must promptly conduct an investigation into this horrifying attack...send a clear message that targeting activists will have consequences," said Joshua Rosenzweig, head of Amnesty’s East Asia regional office. "Anything less would send a chilling signal that such attacks are tolerated by the authorities," he said in a statement on Wednesday. As many as five masked men wearing black and believed to be of non-Chinese origin had attacked Sham with hammers and knives for more than 10 seconds in the gritty Mong Kok district on the Kowloon peninsula, police said late on Wednesday. Police condemned what they called a planned attack and vowed to investigate. Sham was in stable condition, a government spokesman said. His group, which organised the million-strong marches in June, plans a march on Sunday in the neighbouring district of Kowloon, but authorities have not yet confirmed it will be permitted. "It is not hard to link this incident to a spreading political terror in order to threaten and inhibit the legitimate exercise of natural and legal rights," the group said in a statement. Speaking at the city's legislature on Thursday, nearly a dozen pro-democracy lawmakers condemned the attack on Sham and said they would continue to protest. "This very vicious attack took place practically on the eve of yet another massive protest in Hong Kong on Sunday," said Claudia Mo. "We can’t help feeling that this entire thing is part of a plan to shed blood at Hong Kong’s peaceful protests." Mo was one of several lawmakers whom security officials escorted out of a question-and-answer session with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on Thursday after they heckled her for the second day in a row. Hong Kong has been roiled by more than four months of sometimes violent anti-government protests in its worst crisis in decades, posing the biggest popular challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012. What began as opposition to a now-withdrawn extradition bill has evolved into a pro-democracy movement fanned by fears that China is stifling freedoms guaranteed by a "one country, two systems" formula adopted when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997. No olive branch In an annual policy address on Wednesday, the Beijing-backed Lam had offered no direct olive branch to pro-democracy protesters, hoping instead to ease resentment by building more public housing. The densely populated former British colony has one of the world's most expensive real estate markets and the inability of many young people to get a place of their own has added fuel to the pro-democracy protests. Unveiling one of the city's boldest housing proposals in years, Lam vowed to take back large tracts of land held by a handful of powerful developers and create public housing. "We are determined to create homeownership opportunities for people of different income groups such that they will happily make Hong Kong their home," Lam said. At a news conference, Lam rejected two of the protesters' five demands - amnesty for those charged and universal suffrage - calling the first illegal and the second beyond her power as chief executive. In a statement after her briefing, Civil Human Rights Front in a statement called for Lam to resign, although she has rejected such calls for months. "We urge Carrie Lam to stop destroying Hong Kong, respond to the five major demands, and step down," the group said.

Amnesty urges Hong Kong to probe bloody attack on pro-democracy leader

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-house-passes-hong-kong-democracy-act-256310">Hong Kong's legislature</a> by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city.

Chief Executive <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-leader-left-bloodied-in-street-attack-256296">Carrie Lam</a> has faced an outpouring of anger from her opponents since the legislature opened its doors for a new session on Wednesday, three months after the building was trashed by masked protesters.

Lam was unable to give a State of the Union-style policy speech on Wednesday after pro-democracy lawmakers, who form a minority on the pro-Beijing-stacked legislature, repeatedly interrupted her.

Instead, she was forced to deliver the address in a pre-recorded video.

Lam returned to the Legislative Council on Thursday to answer questions from lawmakers about the content of that policy speech.

But <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-of-hong-kong-nominated-for-nobel-peace-prize-2020-256254">chaos erupted once again</a> as her political opponents chanted slogans and were dragged one by one from the chamber.

Hong Kong has been rocked by the worst political unrest in decades.

Millions have taken to the streets, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland.

But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability.

Violence has escalated on both sides of the political divide with hardcore protesters wielding petrol bombs and stones, and police responding with ever-increasing amounts of tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds in recent weeks.

Vigilante attacks have also flourished.

A leading figure within Hong Kong's democracy movement said Thursday he was recovering after being set upon by a gang of hammer-wielding thugs, the latest assault on Beijing critics in Hong Kong.

Jimmy Sham, one of the protest movement's most recognisable faces, was left lying in a pool of his own blood late Wednesday after he was jumped by around five men in the district of Mong Kok.

"I will continue to fight for the five demands in a peaceful, rational and non-violent manner," Sham wrote on Facebook from his hospital bed.

Street justice

Sham is the main spokesman of the Civil Human Rights Front, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer.

Hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also increasingly meted out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists.

Hong Kong's instability is fuelled by years of growing fears Beijing is eroding the city's unique freedoms, contrary to a deal that outlined Hong Kong's 1997 return to China from British colonial rule.

Lam, who was appointed by a pro-Beijing stacked committee and has historically low approval ratings, has struggled to end the political crisis.

Wednesday's policy speech was billed as an attempt to win hearts and minds after four months of seething pro-democracy protests.

But it was heavily criticised both by opponents and even her allies for offering little in the way of a substantive political solution.&nbsp;

Instead, Lam focused on economic gripes, vowing to increase housing and land supply in a city that has one of the least affordable property markets in the world, and announcing a handful of subsidies.&nbsp;

But she gave no political concessions to the democracy movement and said progress could only be made once violence from protesters ends.

Activists have said they will only end their huge rallies if core demands are met, including an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the more than 2,500 people arrested and fully free elections.

Both Lam and Beijing have repeatedly dismissed those demands and say Hong Kong's freedoms are being protected.

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong's legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city.

Pro-democracy lawmakers were dragged out of Hong Kong's legislature by security guards on Thursday after they heckled the city's pro-Beijing leader for a second day running, the latest outburst of political rancour in the strife-torn city. Chief Executive Carrie Lam has faced an outpouring of anger from her opponents since the legislature opened its doors for a new session on Wednesday, three months after the building was trashed by masked protesters. Lam was unable to give a State of the Union-style policy speech on Wednesday after pro-democracy lawmakers, who form a minority on the pro-Beijing-stacked legislature, repeatedly interrupted her. Instead, she was forced to deliver the address in a pre-recorded video. Lam returned to the Legislative Council on Thursday to answer questions from lawmakers about the content of that policy speech. But chaos erupted once again as her political opponents chanted slogans and were dragged one by one from the chamber. Hong Kong has been rocked by the worst political unrest in decades. Millions have taken to the streets, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland. But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability. Violence has escalated on both sides of the political divide with hardcore protesters wielding petrol bombs and stones, and police responding with ever-increasing amounts of tear gas, rubber bullets and even live rounds in recent weeks. Vigilante attacks have also flourished. A leading figure within Hong Kong's democracy movement said Thursday he was recovering after being set upon by a gang of hammer-wielding thugs, the latest assault on Beijing critics in Hong Kong. Jimmy Sham, one of the protest movement's most recognisable faces, was left lying in a pool of his own blood late Wednesday after he was jumped by around five men in the district of Mong Kok. "I will continue to fight for the five demands in a peaceful, rational and non-violent manner," Sham wrote on Facebook from his hospital bed. Street justice Sham is the main spokesman of the Civil Human Rights Front, a group which advocates non-violence and organised a series of record-breaking, peaceful marches earlier this summer. Hardcore pro-democracy protesters have also increasingly meted out their own street justice, beating people who vocally disagree with their goals or are viewed to be government loyalists. Hong Kong's instability is fuelled by years of growing fears Beijing is eroding the city's unique freedoms, contrary to a deal that outlined Hong Kong's 1997 return to China from British colonial rule. Lam, who was appointed by a pro-Beijing stacked committee and has historically low approval ratings, has struggled to end the political crisis. Wednesday's policy speech was billed as an attempt to win hearts and minds after four months of seething pro-democracy protests. But it was heavily criticised both by opponents and even her allies for offering little in the way of a substantive political solution. Instead, Lam focused on economic gripes, vowing to increase housing and land supply in a city that has one of the least affordable property markets in the world, and announcing a handful of subsidies. But she gave no political concessions to the democracy movement and said progress could only be made once violence from protesters ends. Activists have said they will only end their huge rallies if core demands are met, including an independent inquiry into the police, an amnesty for the more than 2,500 people arrested and fully free elections. Both Lam and Beijing have repeatedly dismissed those demands and say Hong Kong's freedoms are being protected.

Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind.

Carrie Lam -- the city's unelected chief executive -- currently boasts record-low approval ratings as the financial hub convulses with more than four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-lawmakers-dragged-from-chamber-as-leader-heckled-for-second-day-256382">Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day</a>

Backed by Beijing, her administration has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters, who are demanding greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Angry faces significantly outnumbered hearts and likes left by viewers on the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast, while critics also used the comments section to pile on.

By the end of the session, in which a host chose from a series of pre-selected questions and some live ones, the angry face count stood at more than 9,400 compared to 2,100 likes and 632 hearts.

Lam defended her record and stuck to her oft-repeated talking points that she cannot give in to violent protesters and won't be resigning.

"We need more dialogue and communication, more mutual understanding and tolerance," she said.&nbsp;

She added that she was taken aback by the huge rallies.

"Nobody could predict that we would be facing such a huge storm," she said.&nbsp;

Millions have taken to the streets this summer, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland.

But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability.

Lam has previously stated a willingness to hold dialogue sessions with the public, but they have also got off to a rocky and limited start.&nbsp;

In late September she sat down with some 150 randomly selected members of the public for a live forum where questions critical of her government dominated.

Protesters also surrounded the venue and she was unable to exit for hours until the crowds dispersed.

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind.

Hong Kong's embattled leader took to Facebook Live late Thursday in a bid to reach out to citizens after months of political unrest -- and the emoji count was far from kind. Carrie Lam -- the city's unelected chief executive -- currently boasts record-low approval ratings as the financial hub convulses with more than four months of huge, increasingly violent pro-democracy protests. Also read: Hong Kong lawmakers dragged from chamber as leader heckled for second day Backed by Beijing, her administration has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters, who are demanding greater democratic freedoms and police accountability. Angry faces significantly outnumbered hearts and likes left by viewers on the hour-long Facebook Live broadcast, while critics also used the comments section to pile on. By the end of the session, in which a host chose from a series of pre-selected questions and some live ones, the angry face count stood at more than 9,400 compared to 2,100 likes and 632 hearts. Lam defended her record and stuck to her oft-repeated talking points that she cannot give in to violent protesters and won't be resigning. "We need more dialogue and communication, more mutual understanding and tolerance," she said. She added that she was taken aback by the huge rallies. "Nobody could predict that we would be facing such a huge storm," she said. Millions have taken to the streets this summer, initially against a now-dropped bid by its leaders to allow extraditions to the authoritarian Chinese mainland. But after Beijing and Lam took a hard line, the movement snowballed into a broader push for democracy and police accountability. Lam has previously stated a willingness to hold dialogue sessions with the public, but they have also got off to a rocky and limited start. In late September she sat down with some 150 randomly selected members of the public for a live forum where questions critical of her government dominated. Protesters also surrounded the venue and she was unable to exit for hours until the crowds dispersed.

Angry emojis flood Hong Kong leader's Facebook Live chat

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