Tensions at Hong Kong Polytechnic stepped overnight Monday, with police blockade the school, while protesters managed to escape without being arrested.

Dozens of protesters on November 18 escaped by swinging a rope from the overpass next to Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) down a highway where motorcyclists were waiting to pick them up. In a clear coordinated effort, thousands of people ran towards the PolyU campus to break the siege, while mass clashes erupted with nearby police in the Mekong region.

Clashes at PolyU have been strained since noon 17/11, when police surrounded the outside and blockade the surrounding roads. Many protesters tried to escape but were repelled by police tear gas. Police urged those inside to drop their weapons, get out and surrender. If they go out, they will be arrested for riot.

Last night and early this morning, many political and educational officials in Hong Kong reached an agreement with the police to safely leave PolyU protesters and volunteers. More than 200 students or demonstrators under the age of 18 were returned home after police checked their identities and took photos of them. About 100 people over 18 also went out and were arrested.

The remaining protesters retreated inside buildings, including the stadium. Nathan, 18, one of the people leaving PolyU this morning, estimates that about 200 people are still inside.

"We tried to cross the police fence many times. Each time we lost 50 people, then 100 people, the chances of going out were getting less and less," Nathan said.

Meanwhile, CNN quoted PolyU Student Council President Derek Liu as estimated that about 300 people were still on campus. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas, while water trucks sprayed blue dye into the campus.

A male student inside PolyU said the protesters were stuck because they would be arrested for going out because of riot and could face a 10-year sentence. They only have enough food for a day or two.

A group of parents stuck with children in school sat outside all night, crying when the police refused to let them inside.

Many clashes continued throughout Hong Kong. Around 9 pm last night, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets in the Jordan area, near PolyU, while protesters threw petrol bombs and flares. Many of them come to the districts near PolyU to "save students" and shout "we are coming" while overcoming tear gas and challenging the police.

The City Education Office said elementary and secondary schools remain closed until November 20, nearly a week after the suspension. Preschools and special children's schools are expected to close this week.

Hong Kong Special District Chief Carrie Lam barely appeared in public amid intense tension at PolyU, except when she visited a policeman who was shot in a school clash on November 17. In a Facebook post on November 18, Lam called protesters "rioters", condemning the destruction of facilities in and around the school and the use of petrol bombs. "The police have made many appeals, anyone at Polytechnic should listen as soon as possible," Lam wrote.

In a statement posted on the National People's Congress (NPC) website, the Chinese parliament today, Jian Tiewei, spokesman for the Legislative Committee of the NPC Standing Committee, criticized the Hong Kong Supreme Court. Kong overreached his decision to remove the ban on masked masks, masks and face paint.

"The Hong Kong Supreme Court's ruling severely undermined the leadership of the Chief of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Special Administrative Region Authority," Jian said, asserting that only the Chinese parliament can decide whether a law consistent with the Basic Law, the Hong Kong sub-constitution.

Hong Kong Supreme Court on November 18 ruled that the ban on protesters wearing masks and masks applied by the city government from October 5 was unconstitutional, not in compliance with the Basic Law even in the current chaotic situation in Hong Kong. Hong Kong police later said they would stop enforcing the ban while the court continued to review the appeal.

Speaking at the State Department headquarters in Washington on November 18, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the US was concerned about the tension in Hong Kong, calling on the government to address public concerns and what to do. Independent investigation of incidents related to protests. The US Secretary of State believes that China must respect its commitment to the people of Hong Kong and the city government is responsible for bringing stability.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing concern about the developments in Hong Kong, saying it was important that injured protesters receive medical treatment and open a safe passage for those who want to leave the area. London also called for an end to violence and resumption of political dialogue before the local elections this weekend, with 400 members expected to be selected for 18 county councils. This is arguably an important "thermometer" for public opinion before the current protests. District council members actually do not have much power, but can greatly influence how the Legislative Council and the special zone chief are chosen in the future.

Chris Tang, 54, who took charge of the Seventh Police Command this morning since Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, said the force of 31,000 policemen could not stop social unrest by itself. unprecedented in the city and need the support of Hong Kong people. He expects Hong Kongers to condemn violence because silence and tolerance only encourage extremists.

Kwok Ka-chuen, an official with the police's public relations unit, said police had arrested a total of 4,491 people since the protests broke out in early June to protest the extradition bill, including 3,395 men. and 1,096 women, ages 11 to 83, for crimes involving riots, possession of assault weapons, arson and police attacks. Police used more than 10,000 canisters of tear gas, 18 live bullets.

About 1,700 people were injured, including 450 officers. On Sunday alone, at least 38 people were injured in a confrontation at PolyU, according to Hong Kong hospital officials. Yesterday, the number of injured people tripled to at least 116.

Demonstrations broke out in Hong Kong in early June to protest against the extradition bill that allows criminals to be brought into jurisdictions where the Special Zone has not signed an extradition treaty, including mainland China. Although the special government announced the withdrawal of the bill, protesters still took to the streets to make other claims, including investigating the use of force by police and Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam resigned.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on November 14 said that unrest in Hong Kong "seriously trampled on the rule of law and social order", challenging the fundamentals of a one-nation, two-state model. regime. Xi asserted that preventing violence, controlling riot and restoring order are urgent tasks for Hong Kong.