Yvonne Walker
Thousands of Hong Kong protesters protested a security bill proposed by mainland China and were pepper sprayed by police.
Responding to the appeal of activists, thousands of Hong Kong people today gathered in the bustling districts of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, shouting slogans to oppose the government.
Hong Kong riot police fired tear gas at protesters at the intersection of Hennessy and Percival streets today Photo: SCMP
"People can be criminally prosecuted for just talking or publicly opposing the government," protester Vincent, 25, said.
At 2 pm (13 pm Hanoi time), protesters took over Gloucester Street, while others held up banners protesting the US government and displaying American flags.
Protesters also tried to block traffic on Hennessy Road.
At Canal Street, the situation became tense when the police raised the green flag several times and pointed tear gas at reporters and county councilors.
Student activist Joshua Wong, who was present at the scene, said he planned to fight and continue to campaign for support from abroad.
Activist Tam Tak-chi has been arrested outside the Sogo department store in Causeway Bay.
After Tam's arrest, more than 100 people gathered outside Sogo, shouting "Hong Kong Independence is the only way out!"
Riot police then sprayed tear gas at protesters, forcing them to disperse.
Protesters erected barriers, blocking traffic on Hennessy Road today Photo: SCMP
The day before, police had advised people not to participate in any illegal gatherings, saying they had mobilized enough officers to take decisive action.
The protests came two days after a security bill was submitted to the Chinese parliament, which banned separatist activities and subversion, as well as foreign intervention and terrorism in the city.
Pro-democracy MPs in Hong Kong strongly criticize the bill, saying it goes against the "one-state, two-regime" model, under which Beijing is committed to upholding the city's freedom.
Beijing asserted that the bill actually reinforced the principle of "one country, two regimes", serving interests and supporting Hong Kong's development.
Maria Tam, a Hong Kong law advisor in the Chinese parliament, yesterday affirmed that the law enforcement force of the mainland would not operate in Hong Kong without the "approval" of local authorities.
The bill is expected to be passed on May 28, the closing date of the annual meeting of the Chinese parliament.
Many countries like the US, Canada, Australia, UK and EU have voiced their concerns about Hong Kong's security bill.
