Thousands in pro-police rally as Hong Kong braces for another mass
protest
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[July 20, 2019]
By Alun John and Vimvam Tong
HONG KONG (Reuters) - Tens of thousands
gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday to voice support for the police and
call for an end to violence, after a wave of protests against an
extradition bill triggered clashes between police and activists and
plunged the city into crisis.
The rally, called "Safeguard Hong Kong", comes a day ahead of another
mass protest planned against the government and its handling of the
now-suspended extradition bill that would have allowed people in Hong
Kong to be sent to mainland China for trial.
Police have called for calm ahead of Sunday's protest, where security is
expected to be tight. Authorities have removed metal barriers - which
activists have used to block roads during previous demonstrations - from
areas around the march route.
Hong Kong's embattled leader, Carrie Lam, has apologised for the turmoil
the extradition bill has caused and declared it "dead", although
opponents say nothing short of its full withdrawal will do.
Demonstrators, mostly middle-aged or older and dressed in white, braved
heavy rain and thunderstorms to gather at the city's Tamar Park, next to
the Legislative Council which protesters stormed and raided on July 1 -
the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from British to Chinese
rule.
Some waved Chinese flags as others chanted "Hong Kong Cheer Up" and
"Support Hong Kong Police".
A fleet of around 12 fishing boats circled Victoria Harbour next to the
rally with banners draped over the side of the vessels that read "Put
away the combat, fight for Hong Kong" and "Cherish Hong Kong, we're all
in the same boat".
"Violence is intolerant. We are distressed about our home and we should
absolutely stand out to support Hong Kong police, to maintain stability
and rule of law in society," said Tsol Pui, 85, president of Hong Kong
Veterans' Home.
Echoing that sentiment, Tang King Shing, Hong Kong's former Commissioner
of Police, said: "Police, we support you. You should not have suffered
from the disaster made by those thugs... We Hong Kong people come out to
safeguard Hong Kong."
VIOLENCE
Last weekend two initially peaceful protests degenerated into running
skirmishes between baton-wielding riot police and activists, resulting
in scores of injuries and more than 40 arrests.
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Pro-government supporters attend a rally to call for an end to
violence, after a wave of protests against an extradition bill
triggered clashes between police and activists, in Hong Kong, China
July 20, 2019. REUTERS/Edgar Su
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.
Activists and human rights groups have called for an independent
investigation into what they describe as excessive use of force by
police.
The protesters are also demanding the word "riot" be withdrawn from
the government's description of demonstrations and the unconditional
release of those arrested.
What started as protests over the extradition bill has now morphed
into demands for greater democracy, the resignation of leader Lam,
and even curbing the number of mainland Chinese tourists to Hong
Kong.
Under the terms of the handover from Britain in 1997, Hong Kong was
allowed to retain extensive freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland
under a "one country, two systems" formula, including an independent
judiciary and right to protest.
But for many Hong Kong residents, the extradition bill is the latest
step in a relentless march toward mainland control.
Other anti-government protests are planned over coming weekends in
areas including Mong Kok, a gritty working-class district across the
harbour from the financial centre, and in Tseung Kwan O and Sham
Shui Po, one of the city's poorest areas.
Opponents of the extradition bill fear it would leave Hong Kong
people at the mercy of Chinese courts, where human rights are not
guaranteed, and have voiced concerns over the city's much-cherished
rule of law.
(Reporting By Alun John, Vimvam Tong and Kevin Liu, Writing by Anne
Marie Roantree; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Gareth Jones)
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