WEB DESK
In Hong Kong, Police used tear gas against thousands of protesters last night as the city enters its 10th week of mass demonstrations and unrest. According to media reports in the Wan Chai district, petrol bombs and bricks were thrown at riot police who responded by charging at protesters with batons. A number of people, including a police officer, were injured in the clashes.
Tear gas was also used in central Hong Kong on both sides of Victoria Harbour, in the Tsim Sha Tsui area on the Kowloon side and in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island. The protests followed a night of hit-and-run rallies across the city and came after Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, maintained that she would not meet the demands of demonstrators, who are calling for her to step down.
Meanwhile Hong Kong International Airport cancelled all departures on Monday, as thousands of anti-government protesters occupied and caused disruption.
Passengers have been told not to travel to the airport, which is one of the world’s busiest transport hubs.
In a statement, officials blamed “seriously disrupted” operations.
Many of those protesting are critical of the actions of police, who on Sunday were filmed firing tear gas and rubber bullets at close range.
Some protesters wore bandages over their eyes in response to images of a woman bleeding heavily from her eye on Sunday, having reportedly been shot by a police projectile.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, Hong Kong’s Airport Authority said they were cancelling all flights that were not yet checked in.