HK protesters stream past designated endpoint

Hong Kong: Hong Kong protesters ignored police warnings and streamed past the designated endpoint for a rally Saturday in the latest of a series of demonstrations targeting the government of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. “Strike on Monday!” the protesters shouted as they filled the roads in a usually bustling market district, referring to demonstrators’ calls for a citywide shutdown. Shop owners shuttered their storefronts in anticipation of a prolonged demonstration. The street along the route was completely filled with protesters, while other roads were reduced to single lanes. One black-clad protester directed traffic for a line of taxis attempting to get through. Some passing drivers honked their horns and yelled words of encouragement, eliciting cheers from the crowd. Police warned earlier in the day that those who continued past the pre-approved route would be breaking the law. They called on protesters to stick to designated routes and times after violent clashes marred previous rallies in the summer-long protest movement. Police held a briefing Saturday ahead of the scheduled rally in Mong Kok, a bustling shopping district with a history of hosting pro-democracy protests. Any demonstrations that are not pre-approved will be “cleared out” as unlawful assemblies, police said. The summer-long protests began in opposition to a contentious extradition bill, but have continued despite the government’s decision to suspend the legislation that would have sent some suspects to mainland China for trial. While the rallies have been largely peaceful, they have increasingly devolved into skirmishes with police after some protesters refused to disperse at assigned times. Since the rallies began in early June, protesters have vandalised buildings and thrown bricks, while police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets. (AFP)