Hong Kong continues to be on the boil. Hong Kong police today began to use tear gas to disperse thousands of people, who were protesting in the Yuen Long. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: 288,000 people protest in Yuen Long

Hong Kong police fired tear gas Saturday at protesters holding a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-defy-police-ban-with-mass-anti-triad-rally-238808">banned rally against suspected triad gangs</a> who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos.

Riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas in Yuen Long after tense standoffs with protesters, some of whom were throwing projectiles and had surrounded a police van.

Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-anger-soars-as-45-people-gets-injured-in-yuen-long-train-station-mob-attack-237553">men in white t-shirts, armed with poles and batons</a>, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in Yuen Long station, leaving at least 45 people needing hospital treatment.

The brazen assault was the latest escalation in seven weeks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-anger-soars-as-45-people-gets-injured-in-yuen-long-train-station-mob-attack-237553">unprecedented political violence</a> that shows little sign of abating as the city's pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge.

Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday's violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied.&nbsp;

Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets -- and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-is-chinas-hong-kong-will-never-allow-any-foreign-forces-to-intervene-foreign-ministry-238638">demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill</a> which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. &nbsp;

Saturday's violence compounds the political crisis with the city's pro-Beijing leadership seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos.&nbsp;

Watch: Hong Kong protest enters eighth week

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Pokemon and shopping sprees

In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters, a decision that only heightened public anger towards a force perceived to be protecting pro-government aggressors.&nbsp;

Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement quickly filled up with vows from people to join in.&nbsp;

Some suggested holding a "shopping spree" in Yuen Long, others for a mass gathering of Pokemon Go, a popular mobile phone game.&nbsp;

Huge crowds spilled out of Yuen Long's main station on Saturday afternoon and into surrounding streets where police maintained a large presence but kept their distance. Many shops were shuttered.

"Everyone of us came here on our own initiation," a 25-year-old medical worker surnamed Ng, told AFP. "So I don't think this is an illegal assembly, I've just come here as an individual to tell people my thoughts."

Another woman surnamed Cheung, said she wanted to show "we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won't cower in fear".

"The police and (the government) are together suppressing people's freedom to express their views," she added.

Triad links&nbsp;

Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.&nbsp;

Police say they have arrested 12 people so far in connection with Sunday's violence, nine of whom have known triad links.

The white shirt mob ran into two villages near Yuen Long station after their attack and later left without police making any arrests despite a large presence of officers.

These two villages became the focus of protester anger on Saturday.&nbsp;

The rally began peacefully. But small groups of more hardcore protesters, many wearing helmets and shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads.

Tensions soon escalated with projectiles hurled and a police van containing officers was also surrounded and daubed in graffiti.

Soon tear gas rounds were arcing through the air and a now-familiar pattern of running battles between police and protesters began.&nbsp;

Few concessions

Weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts -- as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament -- have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong's leaders.&nbsp;

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last fortnight but has left it to the city's semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation.

City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill.&nbsp;

On Friday thousands held a 10-hour protest at the airport arrival hall in a bid to "educate" visitors about their movement -- especially those on the Chinese mainland where news is heavily censored.&nbsp;

The protest was peaceful and there was no disruption to flights. &nbsp;

Protesters also plan to march on Sunday through a district where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at projectile-hurling protesters the week before.&nbsp;

Police have allowed a rally to take place, but denied protesters permission to march, raising the likelihood of further confrontations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong police fired tear gas Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos. Riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas in Yuen Long after tense standoffs with protesters, some of whom were throwing projectiles and had surrounded a police van. Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of men in white t-shirts, armed with poles and batons, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in Yuen Long station, leaving at least 45 people needing hospital treatment. The brazen assault was the latest escalation in seven weeks of unprecedented political violence that shows little sign of abating as the city's pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge. Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday's violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied. Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets -- and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Saturday's violence compounds the political crisis with the city's pro-Beijing leadership seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos. Watch: Hong Kong protest enters eighth week × Pokemon and shopping sprees In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters, a decision that only heightened public anger towards a force perceived to be protecting pro-government aggressors. Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement quickly filled up with vows from people to join in. Some suggested holding a "shopping spree" in Yuen Long, others for a mass gathering of Pokemon Go, a popular mobile phone game. Huge crowds spilled out of Yuen Long's main station on Saturday afternoon and into surrounding streets where police maintained a large presence but kept their distance. Many shops were shuttered. "Everyone of us came here on our own initiation," a 25-year-old medical worker surnamed Ng, told AFP. "So I don't think this is an illegal assembly, I've just come here as an individual to tell people my thoughts." Another woman surnamed Cheung, said she wanted to show "we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won't cower in fear". "The police and (the government) are together suppressing people's freedom to express their views," she added. Triad links Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment. Police say they have arrested 12 people so far in connection with Sunday's violence, nine of whom have known triad links. The white shirt mob ran into two villages near Yuen Long station after their attack and later left without police making any arrests despite a large presence of officers. These two villages became the focus of protester anger on Saturday. The rally began peacefully. But small groups of more hardcore protesters, many wearing helmets and shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads. Tensions soon escalated with projectiles hurled and a police van containing officers was also surrounded and daubed in graffiti. Soon tear gas rounds were arcing through the air and a now-familiar pattern of running battles between police and protesters began. Few concessions Weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts -- as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament -- have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong's leaders. Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last fortnight but has left it to the city's semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation. City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill. On Friday thousands held a 10-hour protest at the airport arrival hall in a bid to "educate" visitors about their movement -- especially those on the Chinese mainland where news is heavily censored. The protest was peaceful and there was no disruption to flights. Protesters also plan to march on Sunday through a district where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at projectile-hurling protesters the week before. Police have allowed a rally to take place, but denied protesters permission to march, raising the likelihood of further confrontations.

Hong Kong unrest: Police fire tear gas at protesters defying ban on 'anti-triad' rally

Pro-democracy protesters assaulted last week. Triad gangsters suspected to be behind the attack. Masked men had occupied a transit railway station. Video emerges of police officers slipping away. Proposed extradition bill has sparked protests. Hong Kong govt used 'dead' word for the extradition bill. Last Sunday, Protesters were attacked by masked men. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong protest enters 8th week

Protesters march into Hong Kong international airport. Protest against extradition bill now inside the airport. Protesters hold up banners to highlight their cause. Several nations have issued a travel advisory for Hong Kong. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Demand for probe against violence, Massive protests at Arrival hall of HK international airport

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory.

Airport authorities said operations wouldn't be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption.

The former British colony of Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-official-urged-hong-kong-villagers-to-drive-off-protesters-before-violence-at-train-station-238563">violent protests that have posed</a> one of the gravest populist challenges to China's leader Xi Jinping since he took office.

The demonstrations, mushrooming up almost daily, saw the defacement of China's main representative office last weekend, triggering warnings from Beijing this was an attack on China's sovereignty.

What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial, now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland Chinese tourists out of Hong Kong.

Some protesters, dressed in helmets and seated on the ground of the arrivals hall, held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the building.

"The world has been watching us in the past few weeks," said Jeremy Tam, a former pilot and lawmaker who helped organise the protest with other aviation sector employees.

"We simply believe that the airport is the most direct way for all tourists to explain what is happening in Hong Kong."

Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place, noting the airport demonstration.

Watch:&nbsp;Anti-government protests intensify in Hong Kong

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"If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety," it read.

"Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice."

Some protesters handed out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists.

Others condemned the failure of police to protect citizens and protesters from a frenzied attack by armed men at a train station last Sunday that shocked the city. Police sources say some of these men had triad backgrounds.

Members of the public, tourists and pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers signed a petition urging the Hong Kong government to prosecute the attackers.

The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page.

"United Hong Kong Stands!" it added.

An investment banker at a US bank told Reuters he had rescheduled his flight from Hong Kong to Beijing to another day, over concerns flights possibly being grounded should the protest escalate. 
&nbsp;

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory.

Several hundred protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday as neighbouring Singapore advised its citizens to avoid parts of the territory. Airport authorities said operations wouldn't be affected, but advised passengers to arrive early given the risk of disruption. The former British colony of Hong Kong, which returned to China in 1997, is embroiled in its worst political crisis for decades after two months of increasingly violent protests that have posed one of the gravest populist challenges to China's leader Xi Jinping since he took office. The demonstrations, mushrooming up almost daily, saw the defacement of China's main representative office last weekend, triggering warnings from Beijing this was an attack on China's sovereignty. What started as an angry response to a now-suspended extradition bill, which would have allowed defendants to be sent to the mainland for trial, now includes demands for greater democracy, the resignation of Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, and even keeping mainland Chinese tourists out of Hong Kong. Some protesters, dressed in helmets and seated on the ground of the arrivals hall, held up signs calling on the government to withdraw the extradition bill completely, while chants of "Free Hong Kong" reverberated around the building. "The world has been watching us in the past few weeks," said Jeremy Tam, a former pilot and lawmaker who helped organise the protest with other aviation sector employees. "We simply believe that the airport is the most direct way for all tourists to explain what is happening in Hong Kong." Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place, noting the airport demonstration. Watch: Anti-government protests intensify in Hong Kong "If you are already in Hong Kong, you should take all necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety," it read. "Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice." Some protesters handed out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists. Others condemned the failure of police to protect citizens and protesters from a frenzied attack by armed men at a train station last Sunday that shocked the city. Police sources say some of these men had triad backgrounds. Members of the public, tourists and pilots, flight attendants and other aviation workers signed a petition urging the Hong Kong government to prosecute the attackers. The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page. "United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. An investment banker at a US bank told Reuters he had rescheduled his flight from Hong Kong to Beijing to another day, over concerns flights possibly being grounded should the protest escalate.

Hundred of protesters chanting 'free Hong Kong' converge on the Chinese-ruled city's airport

A week before suspected triad gang members attacked protesters and commuters at a rural <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protest-anger-soars-as-45-people-gets-injured-in-yuen-long-train-station-mob-attack-237553">Hong Kong train station last Sunday</a>, an official from China's representative office urged local residents to drive away any activists.

Li Jiyi, the director of the Central Government Liaison's local district office made the appeal at a community banquet for hundreds of villagers in Hong Kong's rural New Territories.

In a previously unreported recording from the July 11 event obtained by Reuters, Li addresses the large crowd about the escalating protests that have plunged Hong Kong into its worst political crisis since it returned to Chinese from British rule in 1997.

Li chastises the protesters, appealing to the assembled residents to protect their towns in Yuen Long district and to chase anti-government activists away.

"We won't allow them to come to Yuen Long to cause trouble," he said, to a burst of applause.

"Even though there are a group of protesters trained to throw bricks and iron bars, we still have a group of Yuen Long residents with the persistence and courage to maintain social peace and protect our home."

Repeatedly, Li spoke of the need for harmony and unity between the traditional villages and the government, "especially when there is wind and rain in Hong Kong".

The banquet was attended by a Hong Kong government district officer, Enoch Yuen, and many of the city's rural leaders. Yuen gave no immediate response to Reuters' questions on Li's speech and its impact on village representatives.

Last Sunday, after anti-government protesters marched in central Hong Kong and defaced China's Liaison Office, over 100 men swarmed through Yuen Long train station, attacking black-clad protesters, passers-by, journalists and a lawmaker with pipes, clubs and lampstands.

When some protesters retaliated, the beatings escalated as men and women were hit repeatedly on their heads and bodies by the masked men, who wore white shirts.

Video footage showed victims fleeing the mayhem amid screams, and floors of the train station streaked with blood. Forty-five people were injured, one critically.

China's Liaison Office did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about Li's speech, and Li could not be reached for comment.

Johnny Mak, a veteran Democratic Alliance district councillor in Yuen Long who witnessed the train station bloodshed, said he believed Li's remarks had been an explicit call to arms against protesters.

"If he didn't say this, the violence wouldn't have happened, and the triads wouldn't have beaten people," he told Reuters in his office close to the station.

Ching Chan-ming, the head of the Shap Pat Heung rural committee which hosted the banquet that night, said he thought Li's speech was positive and held no malicious intent.

"How could he (Li) make such an appeal like that?," Ching told Reuters. "I don't think it was a mobilisation call. His main message is that he hopes Hong Kong can remain stable and prosperous."

Triads

The protesters are demanding Hong Kong's leader scrap a controversial extradition law that many fear will extend China's reach into the city.

The government's refusal to do so - it has agreed only to suspend the bill so far - have led to two months of sometimes violent demonstrations across the city.

Beyond the extradition bill, many activists are demanding independent inquiries into the use of police force against them, and far-reaching democratic reforms - anathema to Beijing's leaders.

China's Foreign Ministry Office in Hong Kong said earlier this week that "the recent extreme and violent acts in Hong Kong have seriously undermined the foundation of the rule of law ... and trampled on the red line of "One Country, Two Systems" which underpins Beijing's control of Hong Kong.

Two senior police sources told Reuters some of the men who attacked the protesters had triad backgrounds including from the powerful Wo Shing Wo, Hong Kong's oldest triad society, and the 14K, another large, well-known triad.

Police spokespeople didn't respond to Reuters questions about triad involvement or any aspect of their operation that night.

While Hong Kong's triads - ancient secret societies that morphed into mafia-style underworld operations - no longer hold the high profile of previous decades they remain entrenched in some grittier districts and in rural areas, according to police.

Police told reporters in 2014 during the so-called "Occupy" democracy protests, that hundreds of triad members were suspected of mounting operations to infiltrate, beat and harass those in the movement. Several dozen people were arrested at the time.

No police in sight

Within hours of Sunday's violence, police bosses battled criticism they had failed to protect the public given delays getting to the scene.

Police commissioner Stephen Lo said there had been a need to "redeploy manpower from other districts".

Democratic Party district councillor Zachary Wong said Li's message was having an impact in the days leading up to Sunday's violence and he had received repeated calls from associates a day earlier saying something was brewing.

Wong said he called local police on Saturday, and then again on Sunday at 7pm when he heard of men gathering in a Yuen Long park.

"Some people called me and said, 'We're really scared, please do something," Wong told Reuters.

Both Mak and Wong said they were told by police they were aware of the situation and were handling it.

During this time, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was filmed laughing and shaking hands with some of the men in white shirts near the park. Giving them the 'thumbs up' sign, he said: "You are my heroes". The men laughed and cheered in response.

Ho later told reporters he had no knowledge of or involvement in the violence, but was merely reaching out to his constituents.

Ho was not immediately available at his office and could not be reached on his mobile phone.

Several hours later, when the most violent assaults took place at the train station, there were still no police present to prevent the bloodshed.

"It doesn't make sense that for many hours, there wasn't a single police car in sight," said Mak.

Two senior police officers involved in controlling demonstrations and a senior government security official told Reuters privately they were incensed at public perceptions the police somehow acted in concert with triads at Yuen Long.

After the attacks in Yuen Long train station, some of the assailants fled to the traditional walled village of Nam Pin Wai nearby.

There, riot police and other officers surrounded and questioned scores of men in white shirts for several hours, live media coverage showed.

Sometime after 4 a.m., the men in white began to leave. No arrests were made at the time, although a dozen men have since been arrested over the incident, according to a police statement.

A police commander told reporters at the scene that no arrests were made as the police couldn't prove the men were the assailants, and no weapons were found.

Public anger over the incident has built in the days since, and tens of thousands of people are expected to march through Yuen Long on Saturday.

A rare open letter signed by a group of civil servants criticised authorities' handling of the violence.

"The police's lack of response on July 21 had made people suspect the government colluded with triads," wrote a group of 235 civil servants from 44 government departments including the police force.

"This had not only caused citizens to lose confidence in the police, but also made civil servants suspect that the government departments are not aimed to serve citizens faithfully."

At a press conference, Police Commissioner Lo denied any collusion between his force and triads but acknowledged the need to restore public confidence.

A week before suspected triad gang members attacked protesters and commuters at a rural Hong Kong train station last Sunday, an official from China's representative office urged local residents to drive away any activists.

A week before suspected triad gang members attacked protesters and commuters at a rural Hong Kong train station last Sunday, an official from China's representative office urged local residents to drive away any activists. Li Jiyi, the director of the Central Government Liaison's local district office made the appeal at a community banquet for hundreds of villagers in Hong Kong's rural New Territories. In a previously unreported recording from the July 11 event obtained by Reuters, Li addresses the large crowd about the escalating protests that have plunged Hong Kong into its worst political crisis since it returned to Chinese from British rule in 1997. Li chastises the protesters, appealing to the assembled residents to protect their towns in Yuen Long district and to chase anti-government activists away. "We won't allow them to come to Yuen Long to cause trouble," he said, to a burst of applause. "Even though there are a group of protesters trained to throw bricks and iron bars, we still have a group of Yuen Long residents with the persistence and courage to maintain social peace and protect our home." Repeatedly, Li spoke of the need for harmony and unity between the traditional villages and the government, "especially when there is wind and rain in Hong Kong". The banquet was attended by a Hong Kong government district officer, Enoch Yuen, and many of the city's rural leaders. Yuen gave no immediate response to Reuters' questions on Li's speech and its impact on village representatives. Last Sunday, after anti-government protesters marched in central Hong Kong and defaced China's Liaison Office, over 100 men swarmed through Yuen Long train station, attacking black-clad protesters, passers-by, journalists and a lawmaker with pipes, clubs and lampstands. When some protesters retaliated, the beatings escalated as men and women were hit repeatedly on their heads and bodies by the masked men, who wore white shirts. Video footage showed victims fleeing the mayhem amid screams, and floors of the train station streaked with blood. Forty-five people were injured, one critically. China's Liaison Office did not immediately respond to Reuters questions about Li's speech, and Li could not be reached for comment. Johnny Mak, a veteran Democratic Alliance district councillor in Yuen Long who witnessed the train station bloodshed, said he believed Li's remarks had been an explicit call to arms against protesters. "If he didn't say this, the violence wouldn't have happened, and the triads wouldn't have beaten people," he told Reuters in his office close to the station. Ching Chan-ming, the head of the Shap Pat Heung rural committee which hosted the banquet that night, said he thought Li's speech was positive and held no malicious intent. "How could he (Li) make such an appeal like that?," Ching told Reuters. "I don't think it was a mobilisation call. His main message is that he hopes Hong Kong can remain stable and prosperous." Triads The protesters are demanding Hong Kong's leader scrap a controversial extradition law that many fear will extend China's reach into the city. The government's refusal to do so - it has agreed only to suspend the bill so far - have led to two months of sometimes violent demonstrations across the city. Beyond the extradition bill, many activists are demanding independent inquiries into the use of police force against them, and far-reaching democratic reforms - anathema to Beijing's leaders. China's Foreign Ministry Office in Hong Kong said earlier this week that "the recent extreme and violent acts in Hong Kong have seriously undermined the foundation of the rule of law ... and trampled on the red line of "One Country, Two Systems" which underpins Beijing's control of Hong Kong. Two senior police sources told Reuters some of the men who attacked the protesters had triad backgrounds including from the powerful Wo Shing Wo, Hong Kong's oldest triad society, and the 14K, another large, well-known triad. Police spokespeople didn't respond to Reuters questions about triad involvement or any aspect of their operation that night. While Hong Kong's triads - ancient secret societies that morphed into mafia-style underworld operations - no longer hold the high profile of previous decades they remain entrenched in some grittier districts and in rural areas, according to police. Police told reporters in 2014 during the so-called "Occupy" democracy protests, that hundreds of triad members were suspected of mounting operations to infiltrate, beat and harass those in the movement. Several dozen people were arrested at the time. No police in sight Within hours of Sunday's violence, police bosses battled criticism they had failed to protect the public given delays getting to the scene. Police commissioner Stephen Lo said there had been a need to "redeploy manpower from other districts". Democratic Party district councillor Zachary Wong said Li's message was having an impact in the days leading up to Sunday's violence and he had received repeated calls from associates a day earlier saying something was brewing. Wong said he called local police on Saturday, and then again on Sunday at 7pm when he heard of men gathering in a Yuen Long park. "Some people called me and said, 'We're really scared, please do something," Wong told Reuters. Both Mak and Wong said they were told by police they were aware of the situation and were handling it. During this time, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was filmed laughing and shaking hands with some of the men in white shirts near the park. Giving them the 'thumbs up' sign, he said: "You are my heroes". The men laughed and cheered in response. Ho later told reporters he had no knowledge of or involvement in the violence, but was merely reaching out to his constituents. Ho was not immediately available at his office and could not be reached on his mobile phone. Several hours later, when the most violent assaults took place at the train station, there were still no police present to prevent the bloodshed. "It doesn't make sense that for many hours, there wasn't a single police car in sight," said Mak. Two senior police officers involved in controlling demonstrations and a senior government security official told Reuters privately they were incensed at public perceptions the police somehow acted in concert with triads at Yuen Long. After the attacks in Yuen Long train station, some of the assailants fled to the traditional walled village of Nam Pin Wai nearby. There, riot police and other officers surrounded and questioned scores of men in white shirts for several hours, live media coverage showed. Sometime after 4 a.m., the men in white began to leave. No arrests were made at the time, although a dozen men have since been arrested over the incident, according to a police statement. A police commander told reporters at the scene that no arrests were made as the police couldn't prove the men were the assailants, and no weapons were found. Public anger over the incident has built in the days since, and tens of thousands of people are expected to march through Yuen Long on Saturday. A rare open letter signed by a group of civil servants criticised authorities' handling of the violence. "The police's lack of response on July 21 had made people suspect the government colluded with triads," wrote a group of 235 civil servants from 44 government departments including the police force. "This had not only caused citizens to lose confidence in the police, but also made civil servants suspect that the government departments are not aimed to serve citizens faithfully." At a press conference, Police Commissioner Lo denied any collusion between his force and triads but acknowledged the need to restore public confidence.

Chinese official urged Hong Kong villagers to drive off protesters before violence at train station

More than 1,000 protesters calling for democracy and some chanting "free Hong Kong" converged on the Chinese-ruled city's airport on Friday. Watch this video to know more.

1,000 protesters chanted "free Hong Kong" in China

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-notice-to-centre-states-for-implementation-of-guidelines-to-prevent-mob-lynching-238625">Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching</a>

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent&nbsp;mob lynching.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/17-opposition-mps-express-concern-over-passing-bills-without-scrutiny-write-to-rajya-sabha-chairman-238669">17 Opposition MPs express concern over passing Bills without scrutiny, write to Rajya Sabha Chairman</a>

As many as 17 opposition members have written to&nbsp;Rajya Sabha&nbsp;Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly"&nbsp;passing legislation&nbsp;without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament. 
&nbsp;

BJP's BS Yediyurappa takes oath as Karnataka chief minister for fourth time Yediyurappa was administered oath by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.

BJP's BS Yediyurappa takes oath as Karnataka chief minister for fourth time Yediyurappa was administered oath by Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru. He will have to prove the majority of his government in state Assembly by July 31. Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, will never allow any foreign forces to intervene: Foreign ministry After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport chanting ant-China slogans, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere. PM Lofven is very clear, everyone is equal before the law: Sweden on Trump backing rapper A$AP Rocky Sweden on Friday dismissed an angry outburst from United States President Donald Trump after prosecutors charged US rapper A$AP Rocky with assault, saying the country's judicial system was independent of political interference. Supreme Court notice to Centre, states for implementation of guidelines to prevent mob lynching The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking proper implementation of the court's 2018 judgement laying down guidelines to prevent mob lynching. 17 Opposition MPs express concern over passing Bills without scrutiny, write to Rajya Sabha Chairman As many as 17 opposition members have written to Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu raising serious concerns over how the Central government is "hurriedly" passing legislation without any scrutiny by the Standing or Select Committees of Parliament.

News brief: Big stories of the day

China: 1,000 protesters chanting "free Hong Kong"

After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-calling-for-free-hong-kong-converge-on-airport-238572">chanting ant-China slogans</a>, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere.

PLA troops are performing defensive duties in Hong Kong, they are key to Hong Kong's stability," China's foreign ministry said.

"I also want to emphasise that since the reunification of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong garrison has strictly abide by Hong Kong's Basic Law and Garrison Law, and faithfully fulfilling its duties of defence. They have become the guardian for maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," the ministry spokesman said.

"We have already said that Hong Kong is&nbsp;China's Hong Kong and will never allow any foreign forces to intervene in any way."

"I recommend those who try to 'lead the wolf into the room' to study the history -- since when have those who colluded with external forces to create problems for a country come to a good end?" China foreign ministry spokesperson&nbsp;Hua Chunying said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-demand-for-probe-against-violence-massive-protests-at-arrival-hall-of-hk-international-airport-238577/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

On Friday, protesters shouting "free Hong Kong" made their way to the airport calling on the Chinese government to withdraw the extradition bill which has become a bone of contention with protests and violence seen on the city streets for the past two months.

As the protesters gathered at the airport, Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place. Some protesters were seen handing out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists.&nbsp;

"Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice," it warned citizens.&nbsp;

The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page.

"United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. Reports said Cathay Pacific staff members attended the demonstrations

Meanwhile, reports added that Hong Kong is bracing itself for another weekend of rallies.

The police have banned a planned Saturday protest as authorities grapple with huge demonstrations which has disrupted normal life in the former British colony.

After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport chanting ant-China slogans, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere.

After protesters lay siege to Hong Kong's airport chanting ant-China slogans, China's foreign ministry said Hong Kong belongs to China and it will not allow foreign forces to interfere. PLA troops are performing defensive duties in Hong Kong, they are key to Hong Kong's stability," China's foreign ministry said. "I also want to emphasise that since the reunification of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong garrison has strictly abide by Hong Kong's Basic Law and Garrison Law, and faithfully fulfilling its duties of defence. They have become the guardian for maintaining Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability," the ministry spokesman said. "We have already said that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong and will never allow any foreign forces to intervene in any way." "I recommend those who try to 'lead the wolf into the room' to study the history -- since when have those who colluded with external forces to create problems for a country come to a good end?" China foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. Watch Video: On Friday, protesters shouting "free Hong Kong" made their way to the airport calling on the Chinese government to withdraw the extradition bill which has become a bone of contention with protests and violence seen on the city streets for the past two months. As the protesters gathered at the airport, Singapore urged its citizens in a travel advisory on Friday to avoid parts of Hong Kong where protests may be taking place. Some protesters were seen handing out flyers explaining the city's crisis to tourists. "Protests which are meant to be peaceful may still have the potential to turn violent with little or no notice," it warned citizens. The Flight Attendants' Union for Hong Kong's main carrier Cathay Pacific had earlier urged its members to "stand up for our human rights and be connected with the rest of the HongKongers" on its Facebook page. "United Hong Kong Stands!" it added. Reports said Cathay Pacific staff members attended the demonstrations Meanwhile, reports added that Hong Kong is bracing itself for another weekend of rallies. The police have banned a planned Saturday protest as authorities grapple with huge demonstrations which has disrupted normal life in the former British colony.

Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, will never allow any foreign forces to intervene: Foreign ministry

China is increasing its defence spending by more than 1400%!! The latest defence White Paper makes a specific reference to India and has warnings for Hong Kong and Taiwan

Gravitas: China's growing military might

Veteran Hong Kong actor Simon Yam was discharged from hospital, Wednesday, after receiving surgery for a stab wound. Yam was discharged from Hong Kong Adventist Hospital at 1 pm local time, walking out in an arm cast.

Stabbed Hong Kong actor Simon Yam discharged from hospital

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044">Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet</a>

Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-urges-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-take-action-against-terrorist-organisations-238060">Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations</a>

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions to defeat terrorist organisations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-tech-faces-broad-us-justice-department-antitrust-probe-238042">Big Tech faces broad US Justice Department antitrust probe</a>

The review will look into "whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers," the Justice Department said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nike-shoes-race-to-437500-world-record-auction-price-for-sneakers-238057">Nike shoes race to $437,500 world record auction price for sneakers</a>

A pair of 1972 running shoes, one of the first pairs made by Nike Inc, sold for $437,500 on Tuesday, shattering the record for a pair of sneakers at public auction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/john-oliver-confirms-beyonce-was-photoshopped-in-the-lion-king-cast-picture-238047">John Oliver confirms Beyonce was photoshopped in 'The Lion King' cast picture</a>

Addressing rumours that singer Beyonce had been photoshopped into the cast photo of 'The Lion King', John Oliver, who dubbed Zazu in the film, revealed that indeed she was not there, during a recent appearance on `The Late Show with Stephen Colbert` show.

Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal.

Stepping into power, Britain's Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet Taking over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit by the end of October, with or without a deal. Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions to defeat terrorist organisations. Big Tech faces broad US Justice Department antitrust probe The review will look into "whether and how market-leading online platforms have achieved market power and are engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation, or otherwise harmed consumers," the Justice Department said in a statement. Nike shoes race to $437,500 world record auction price for sneakers A pair of 1972 running shoes, one of the first pairs made by Nike Inc, sold for $437,500 on Tuesday, shattering the record for a pair of sneakers at public auction. John Oliver confirms Beyonce was photoshopped in 'The Lion King' cast picture Addressing rumours that singer Beyonce had been photoshopped into the cast photo of 'The Lion King', John Oliver, who dubbed Zazu in the film, revealed that indeed she was not there, during a recent appearance on `The Late Show with Stephen Colbert` show.

How China's PLA maintains internal equilibrium to control external threat

Is China Using Iron-Fisted Tactics To Get An Upper Hand In Hong Kong? The rise in violence and state authoritarianism in Hong Kong has led to many conspiracy theories. Chief among them is the question of whether China is working behind the scenes. China has already called the protests an open challenge to authority. So is there credence to this conspiracy theory? This report explores the question.

Gravitas: Hong Kong: Is china working behind the scenes?

Hong Kong Protests Enter The Seventh Week As Situation Spirals Out Of Control For two months now, Hong Kong has been on the boil, simmering with tensions over the extradition bill. Last night, the situation spiralled out of control with protesters reaching China's representative office in Hong Kong. The police responded by firing rubber pellets and tear gas as chaos grips the streets of Hong Kong. Palki explains the development.

Gravitas: Hong Kong: Anti-government protests intensify

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-wins-conservative-party-leadership-race-set-to-become-uk-pm-237941">Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM</a>

Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-know-one-thing-that-hong-kong-is-chinas-hong-kong-do-not-interference-foreign-ministry-237930">US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry</a>

China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944">Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit</a>

Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-indies-recall-sunil-narine-and-kieron-pollard-for-t20s-against-india-chris-gayle-opts-out-237928">West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out</a>

West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month.

Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-against-oil-companies-illegal-china-237917">US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China</a>

China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister.

Boris Johnson wins Conservative Party leadership race; to become new UK PM Conservative Party today announced Boris Johnson as their new leader after he won 92, 153 votes beating his rival Britain's foreign minister Jeremy Hunt who won 46,656 votes, paving the way for the new leader to become UK's new prime minister. US should know one thing that Hong Kong is China's Hong Kong, do not interfere: Foreign ministry China said on Tuesday that US officials were behind violent chaos in Hong Kong and warned against interference, following a series of protests in the city, including bloody clashes on the weekend. Boris Johnson: A divisive politician with 'do or die' pledge over Brexit Boris Johnson was on Tuesday elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party, winning the race to be the country's next prime minister. Johnson and his rival, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, spent the last month crossing the country seeking to win over the fewer than 200,000 Conservative Party members who will choose Britain's new leader. West Indies recall Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for T20s against India, Chris Gayle opts out West Indies have turned to experience with the recall on Tuesday of veteran duo Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard for the first two T20s against India next month. Explosive hitter Pollard was left out of the West Indies team for the recent 50-over World Cup and played his last T20 in India last November. US sanctions against oil companies illegal: China China on Tuesday called US sanctions against Chinese companies "illegal", a day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced he was putting a leading oil importer on a blacklist.

A group of masked men, dressed in white clothes, attacked anti-government protesters and commuters inside a Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station on Sunday night. watch full video to know more. #HongKongProtests

Masked men assault anti-government protesters in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police on Monday defended their actions and the lack of arrests after opposition lawmakers said police had failed to protect a train full of anti-government protesters from a triad gangster attack on Sunday. The attack came in a night of violence that opened new fronts in Hong Kong's widening political crisis over an extradition bill to send people to China for trial. Some politicians and activists have long linked Hong Kong's shadowy network of triad criminal gangs to political intimidation and violence in recent years.

Violent clashes erupt between residents, suspected triads in Hong Kong

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, comments that will likely infuriate Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-to-disperse-protesters-in-fresh-wave-of-clashes-237512">Hong Kong</a> has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters on Sunday night, the seventh weekend in a row that the city has witnessed political violence.&nbsp;

Separately masked men wielding sticks beat up anti-government protesters at a subway station, putting dozens in hospital.

In a tweet, on Monday Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said it was time for the city's leaders to grant universal suffrage, a core demand of protesters.&nbsp;

"It's sad to see the rule of law eroding and the divide between the people and the government widening in HongKong," Wu said as he accompanied President Tsai Ing-wen in a stopover in Denver on their way back from a visit to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean.&nbsp;

"The way forward is genuine democratic elections, not violence in the streets &amp; MTR stations. The freedom and human rights of the people must be protected!" he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-urges-china-to-repent-for-tiananmen-china-paper-says-event-is-merely-history-224036">Taiwan</a> is gearing up for a presidential election where a dominant issue will be relations with the mainland which sees the self-ruled island as its territory and has vowed to seize it.&nbsp;

Ties with Beijing have deteriorated since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China".

Tsai has described the 2020 presidential election as a "fight for freedom and democracy", setting herself up as someone who can defend Taiwan from an increasingly assertive Beijing.

She is facing off against Han Kuo-yu from the opposition KMT party which favours warmer ties with the Chinese mainland.&nbsp;

Last week Tsai's government said it would assist Hong Kongers seeking sanctuary after local media reported dozens of activists involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament had fled to the island.&nbsp;

China's communist party views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary.

Beijing has previously indicated that the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong is allowed to keep key liberties could be applied to Taiwan.

But years of sliding freedoms in Hong Kong has done little to endear Taiwan's inhabitants to the idea of Beijing's rule. 
&nbsp;

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, comments that will likely infuriate Beijing.

Taiwan's foreign minister on Monday called for "genuine" democratic elections to be held in Hong Kong after the city was rocked by fresh political violence, comments that will likely infuriate Beijing. Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters on Sunday night, the seventh weekend in a row that the city has witnessed political violence. Separately masked men wielding sticks beat up anti-government protesters at a subway station, putting dozens in hospital. In a tweet, on Monday Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu said it was time for the city's leaders to grant universal suffrage, a core demand of protesters. "It's sad to see the rule of law eroding and the divide between the people and the government widening in HongKong," Wu said as he accompanied President Tsai Ing-wen in a stopover in Denver on their way back from a visit to diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. "The way forward is genuine democratic elections, not violence in the streets & MTR stations. The freedom and human rights of the people must be protected!" he added. Taiwan is gearing up for a presidential election where a dominant issue will be relations with the mainland which sees the self-ruled island as its territory and has vowed to seize it. Ties with Beijing have deteriorated since Tsai came to power in 2016 because her party refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of "one China". Tsai has described the 2020 presidential election as a "fight for freedom and democracy", setting herself up as someone who can defend Taiwan from an increasingly assertive Beijing. She is facing off against Han Kuo-yu from the opposition KMT party which favours warmer ties with the Chinese mainland. Last week Tsai's government said it would assist Hong Kongers seeking sanctuary after local media reported dozens of activists involved in an unprecedented storming of the city's parliament had fled to the island. China's communist party views Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to seize it, by force if necessary. Beijing has previously indicated that the "one country, two systems" model under which Hong Kong is allowed to keep key liberties could be applied to Taiwan. But years of sliding freedoms in Hong Kong has done little to endear Taiwan's inhabitants to the idea of Beijing's rule.

Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu calls for 'genuine' elections in Hong Kong

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-returns-to-chaos-armed-mob-storms-train-station-multiple-people-beaten-including-reporters-237523">Hong Kong returns to chaos; armed mob storms train station, multiple people beaten including journalists</a>

Hong Kong descended into chaos Sunday night as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters hours after China's office in the city was daubed with eggs and graffiti in a vivid rebuke to Beijing's rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-to-hold-emergency-meeting-on-seized-tanker-237525">British PM Theresa May to hold emergency meeting on seized tanker</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-chandrayaan-2-indias-second-lunar-exploration-mission-237527">Live: Chandrayaan 2 will not face any more glitches, says ISRO chairman K Sivan</a>

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan said that the Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial manoeuvres in the days to come. Sivan said that all the preparatory works regarding the launch have been completed and technical snags that developed in the first attempt have been rectified.ISRO is keeping update on the launch.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-report-shows-evidence-trump-committed-crimes-house-judiciary-chairman-237500">Mueller report shows evidence Trump committed crimes: House Judiciary chairman</a>

The top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-course-for-election-win-ukraine-president-offers-alliance-with-rockstar-svyatoslav-vakarchuks-party-237540">On course for election win, Ukraine president offers alliance with rockstar Svyatoslav Vakarchuk's party</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's party took a commanding lead in Sunday's snap parliamentary election, handing the novice politician a broader mandate for driving change and tackling corruption in the war-scarred nation.

&nbsp;

Hong Kong returns to chaos; armed mob storms train station, multiple people beaten including journalists Hong Kong descended into chaos Sunday night as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters hours after China's office in the city was daubed with eggs and graffiti in a vivid rebuke to Beijing's rule.

Hong Kong returns to chaos; armed mob storms train station, multiple people beaten including journalists Hong Kong descended into chaos Sunday night as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government protesters hours after China's office in the city was daubed with eggs and graffiti in a vivid rebuke to Beijing's rule. British PM Theresa May to hold emergency meeting on seized tanker Prime Minister Theresa May will hold a meeting of Britain's emergencies committee on Monday to discuss Iran's seizure of a UK-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf. Live: Chandrayaan 2 will not face any more glitches, says ISRO chairman K Sivan Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan said that the Chandrayaan-2 will perform 15 crucial manoeuvres in the days to come. Sivan said that all the preparatory works regarding the launch have been completed and technical snags that developed in the first attempt have been rectified.ISRO is keeping update on the launch. Mueller report shows evidence Trump committed crimes: House Judiciary chairman The top Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee said Sunday he believes there is "substantial evidence" that President Donald Trump committed high crimes and misdemeanours, and he plans to ask former Special Counsel Robert Mueller to present those facts at a congressional hearing on Wednesday. On course for election win, Ukraine president offers alliance with rockstar Svyatoslav Vakarchuk's party Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's party took a commanding lead in Sunday's snap parliamentary election, handing the novice politician a broader mandate for driving change and tackling corruption in the war-scarred nation.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse protesters late on Sunday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-on-security-alert-as-thousands-march-in-fresh-wave-of-protests-237449">latest wave of violence </a>to roil the financial centre, hours after a largely peaceful rally against a now-suspended extradition bill that has plunged the city into chaos.

Thousands of protesters descended on China's representative office in Hong Kong, throwing paint bombs and writing graffiti, as anger over the extradition bill morphed into a fresh front against what many see as a broader erosion of freedoms by the city's political masters in Beijing.

Riot police eventually moved in to disperse the protesters into the Sheung Wan district. Protesters were seen wearing gas masks and holding improvised shields while chanting slogans including "Revolution of our era", a slogan associated with radical pro-independence groups.

Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago.

Black-clad activists, many wearing masks, defied police orders and marched beyond the official end-point of a rally that took place earlier in the day as they made their way towards the Liaison Office, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing.

When asked whether the protesters would attempt to force entry into the building, one 30-year-old man dressed head to toe in black said "No", as he mimicked a throat-slitting action.

"That would be the death of Hong Kong," he added.

Some protesters pelted eggs at the walls of the Liaison Office, while others spray-painted graffiti in the latest wave of demonstrations to rock the Asian financial centre.

Hundreds of riot police faced off with protesters, firing tear gas to disperse them as police and ambulance sirens echoed through the crowds.

Activists had daubed graffiti on massive concrete pillars leading up to Beijing's Liaison Office in the city, with the words "Restore Hong Kong, Revolution of Time".

Sunday's protest, which had proceeded peacefully along the police-mandated route, is the latest in a series of rallies that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into political crisis.

Some held up banners that said, "LIAR" and "No excuse Carrie Lame". A poster plastered on a lamppost called for an "Investigation on police brutality".

More demonstrations are planned over the coming weekends, posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012. For Xi's Communist Party in Beijing, stability is an overwhelming priority.

Recent images of police firing rubber bullets and tear gas near the city's financial district as well as chaotic scenes of demonstrators storming the legislature were beamed live to the world - except in mainland China, where they were blocked from many social media sites.

Earlier on Sunday, authorities used blue and white water-filled barriers to barricade government and police headquarters, while global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building.

While most of the rallies have passed off peacefully, some have erupted into violence late at night when more radical protesters have clashed with police.

The city's police force has come under scrutiny after officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas last month to disperse demonstrators in some of the worst violence to roil Hong Kong in decades.

The police are struggling to cope amid haphazard decision-making, worsening morale and anger among rank-and-file officers that they are taking the public heat for government unpopularity, serving and retired officers, politicians and security analysts told Reuters.

Protest organisers said 430,000 attended Sunday's rally. Police put the number at 138,000 at its peak.

"KILL BILL" CALL

The latest protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police, whom some have accused of using excessive force against activists, and demand an end to the violence.

Sunday's march focused on calls for the full withdrawal of the extradition bill, which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, and an independent investigation into complaints of police brutality.

Other demands include charges against protesters to be dropped and universal suffrage.

"I came back to Hong Kong this summer because of the protests," said Mandy Ko, 27, who is originally from Hong Kong and now lives in Australia.

"My spirit is still with Hong Kong people."

Activists formed human chains as they handed out supplies, including umbrellas, hard hats and even gas masks to protesters.

A Reuters reporter received an AirDrop message that said "Be Water", a strategy inspired by a maxim of home-grown martial arts legend Bruce Lee, that encourages protesters to be flexible.

Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.

Those fights followed larger outbreaks of violence in central Hong Kong last month, when police forced back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds.

Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its withdrawal will do.

Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest.

But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control.

The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy.

A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability."

China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula.

Police late on Friday seized explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested. Police described the seizure as the largest of its kind in Hong Kong.

They said it was unclear whether the explosives were related to the protest.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse protesters late on Sunday in the latest wave of violence to roil the financial centre, hours after a largely peaceful rally against a now-suspended extradition bill that has plunged the city into chaos.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas to disperse protesters late on Sunday in the latest wave of violence to roil the financial centre, hours after a largely peaceful rally against a now-suspended extradition bill that has plunged the city into chaos. Thousands of protesters descended on China's representative office in Hong Kong, throwing paint bombs and writing graffiti, as anger over the extradition bill morphed into a fresh front against what many see as a broader erosion of freedoms by the city's political masters in Beijing. Riot police eventually moved in to disperse the protesters into the Sheung Wan district. Protesters were seen wearing gas masks and holding improvised shields while chanting slogans including "Revolution of our era", a slogan associated with radical pro-independence groups. Millions have rallied over the past two months in an unprecedented show of force against Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, triggering the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago. Black-clad activists, many wearing masks, defied police orders and marched beyond the official end-point of a rally that took place earlier in the day as they made their way towards the Liaison Office, in a direct challenge to authorities in Beijing. When asked whether the protesters would attempt to force entry into the building, one 30-year-old man dressed head to toe in black said "No", as he mimicked a throat-slitting action. "That would be the death of Hong Kong," he added. Some protesters pelted eggs at the walls of the Liaison Office, while others spray-painted graffiti in the latest wave of demonstrations to rock the Asian financial centre. Hundreds of riot police faced off with protesters, firing tear gas to disperse them as police and ambulance sirens echoed through the crowds. Activists had daubed graffiti on massive concrete pillars leading up to Beijing's Liaison Office in the city, with the words "Restore Hong Kong, Revolution of Time". Sunday's protest, which had proceeded peacefully along the police-mandated route, is the latest in a series of rallies that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into political crisis. Some held up banners that said, "LIAR" and "No excuse Carrie Lame". A poster plastered on a lamppost called for an "Investigation on police brutality". More demonstrations are planned over the coming weekends, posing the greatest popular challenge to Chinese leader Xi Jinping since he took power in 2012. For Xi's Communist Party in Beijing, stability is an overwhelming priority. Recent images of police firing rubber bullets and tear gas near the city's financial district as well as chaotic scenes of demonstrators storming the legislature were beamed live to the world - except in mainland China, where they were blocked from many social media sites. Earlier on Sunday, authorities used blue and white water-filled barriers to barricade government and police headquarters, while global bank HSBC, in a rare move, pulled down large metal barriers on the street level of its gleaming skyscraper building. While most of the rallies have passed off peacefully, some have erupted into violence late at night when more radical protesters have clashed with police. The city's police force has come under scrutiny after officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas last month to disperse demonstrators in some of the worst violence to roil Hong Kong in decades. The police are struggling to cope amid haphazard decision-making, worsening morale and anger among rank-and-file officers that they are taking the public heat for government unpopularity, serving and retired officers, politicians and security analysts told Reuters. Protest organisers said 430,000 attended Sunday's rally. Police put the number at 138,000 at its peak. "KILL BILL" CALL The latest protest comes a day after tens of thousands gathered to voice support for the police, whom some have accused of using excessive force against activists, and demand an end to the violence. Sunday's march focused on calls for the full withdrawal of the extradition bill, which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial, and an independent investigation into complaints of police brutality. Other demands include charges against protesters to be dropped and universal suffrage. "I came back to Hong Kong this summer because of the protests," said Mandy Ko, 27, who is originally from Hong Kong and now lives in Australia. "My spirit is still with Hong Kong people." Activists formed human chains as they handed out supplies, including umbrellas, hard hats and even gas masks to protesters. A Reuters reporter received an AirDrop message that said "Be Water", a strategy inspired by a maxim of home-grown martial arts legend Bruce Lee, that encourages protesters to be flexible. Last weekend, two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running skirmishes between baton-wielding police and activists, resulting in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests. Those fights followed larger outbreaks of violence in central Hong Kong last month, when police forced back activists with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean-bag rounds. Lam has apologised for the turmoil the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead". Opponents of the bill, which they fear could be used to silence dissent, say nothing short of its withdrawal will do. Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was allowed to retain extensive freedoms under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent judiciary and the right to protest. But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest step in a relentless march towards mainland control. The protests have at times paralysed parts of the financial district, shut government offices and disrupted business operations across the city. Officials have also warned about the impact of the unrest on the economy. A commentary published in the Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Sunday said: "If violence continues, it will inevitably deal a greater blow to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability." China has condemned the violent protests as an "undisguised challenge" to the one country, two systems formula. Police late on Friday seized explosives and weapons in an industrial building in the New Territories district of Tsuen Wan. Three people were arrested. Police described the seizure as the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. They said it was unclear whether the explosives were related to the protest.

Hong Kong police fire tear gas to disperse protesters in fresh wave of clashes

Hong Kong is bracing for another huge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/government-supporters-rally-in-hong-kong-to-seek-end-to-violence-237282">anti-government march</a> on Sunday afternoon with seemingly no end in sight to the turmoil engulfing the finance hub, sparked by years of rising anger over Beijing's rule.

The city has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China.

But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub.

In a city unaccustomed to such upheaval, police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets while the parliament has been trashed by protesters -- as Beijing's authority faces its most serious challenge since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997.

Security tightened

Sunday's rally -- which will follow a now well-trodden route through the main island's streets -- will be the seventh weekend in a row that protesters have come out en masse.

Generally the marches have passed off peacefully but are followed by violence between riot police and small groups of more hardcore protesters.&nbsp;

Security was tightened in the city centre, with metal street fencing often used by protesters to build barricades removed ahead of the march, and large water-filled barriers thrown up around the police headquarters.

The huge crowds have had little luck persuading the city's unelected leaders -- or Beijing -- to change tack on the hub's future.&nbsp;

Under the 1997 handover deal with Britain, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech.

But many say those provisions are already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders.

Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people.

Acrimony deepening

Protesters have vowed to keep their movement going until their core demands are met, such as the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, amnesty and permanent withdrawal of the bill.

Yet there is little sign that either Lam or Beijing are willing to budge.&nbsp;

Beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill there has been few other concessions and fears are rising that Beijing's patience is running out.

Earlier this week the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing was drawing up a plan to deal with Hong Kong, citing sources on the mainland.&nbsp;

But the details that were published suggested little appetite to defuse public anger over sliding freedoms and instead focused on shoring up support for Lam and the police. &nbsp;

On Saturday, the establishment mustered its own supporters in their tens of thousands for a rally, a gathering that was covered in detail by Chinese state media and pro-Beijing newspapers in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Few see a political solution to the crisis on the horizon.

Steve Vickers, a former head of the police's Criminal Investigation Bureau before the handover who now runs a risk consultancy, said the public order situation would likely "worsen" in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

"Polarisation within Hong Kong society and intense acrimony between protesters and police are deepening," he wrote in a note to clients.

"The protests are settling into a pattern of peaceful demonstration culminating in deliberately orchestrated violence, before a lull in preparation for the next 'battle'," he added.

Hong Kong is bracing for another huge anti-government march on Sunday afternoon with seemingly no end in sight to the turmoil engulfing the finance hub, sparked by years of rising anger over Beijing's rule.

Hong Kong is bracing for another huge anti-government march on Sunday afternoon with seemingly no end in sight to the turmoil engulfing the finance hub, sparked by years of rising anger over Beijing's rule. The city has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history by weeks of marches and sporadic violent confrontations between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The initial protests were lit by a now-suspended bill that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. But they have since evolved into a wider movement calling for democratic reforms, universal suffrage and a halt to sliding freedoms in the semi-autonomous financial hub. In a city unaccustomed to such upheaval, police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets while the parliament has been trashed by protesters -- as Beijing's authority faces its most serious challenge since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997. Security tightened Sunday's rally -- which will follow a now well-trodden route through the main island's streets -- will be the seventh weekend in a row that protesters have come out en masse. Generally the marches have passed off peacefully but are followed by violence between riot police and small groups of more hardcore protesters. Security was tightened in the city centre, with metal street fencing often used by protesters to build barricades removed ahead of the march, and large water-filled barriers thrown up around the police headquarters. The huge crowds have had little luck persuading the city's unelected leaders -- or Beijing -- to change tack on the hub's future. Under the 1997 handover deal with Britain, China promised to allow Hong Kong to keep key liberties such as its independent judiciary and freedom of speech. But many say those provisions are already being curtailed, citing the disappearance into mainland custody of dissident booksellers, the disqualification of prominent politicians and the jailing of pro-democracy protest leaders. Authorities have also resisted calls for the city's leader to be directly elected by the people. Acrimony deepening Protesters have vowed to keep their movement going until their core demands are met, such as the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam, an independent inquiry into police tactics, amnesty and permanent withdrawal of the bill. Yet there is little sign that either Lam or Beijing are willing to budge. Beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill there has been few other concessions and fears are rising that Beijing's patience is running out. Earlier this week the South China Morning Post reported that Beijing was drawing up a plan to deal with Hong Kong, citing sources on the mainland. But the details that were published suggested little appetite to defuse public anger over sliding freedoms and instead focused on shoring up support for Lam and the police. On Saturday, the establishment mustered its own supporters in their tens of thousands for a rally, a gathering that was covered in detail by Chinese state media and pro-Beijing newspapers in Hong Kong. Few see a political solution to the crisis on the horizon. Steve Vickers, a former head of the police's Criminal Investigation Bureau before the handover who now runs a risk consultancy, said the public order situation would likely "worsen" in the coming weeks. "Polarisation within Hong Kong society and intense acrimony between protesters and police are deepening," he wrote in a note to clients. "The protests are settling into a pattern of peaceful demonstration culminating in deliberately orchestrated violence, before a lull in preparation for the next 'battle'," he added.

Hong Kong braces for fresh anti-government march

Police in Hong Kong raided a homemade-explosives manufacturing lab ahead of another weekend of protests in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Banners voicing opposition to an extradition bill that has sparked more than a month of demonstrations were found at the lab, according to Hong Kong media reports. Police said the investigation was continuing and that they had not found concrete evidence linking the explosives-making to a major protest march planned for Sunday. Police said they found about 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of TATP, or tri-acetone tri-peroxide, in the late Friday night raid.

Hong Kong police seize explosives ahead of protests

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