Hong Kongers brave tear gas in historic protest

Riot police in Hong Kong continued to deal with protesters this morning, firing tear gas after using electric batons to repel the most violent demonstration since the special administrative region returned to China in 1997.

Protesters on the streets of Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters.

Some protesters set up makeshift barricades to block police amid chaotic scenes just two hours before the start of business hours. Several roads leading to Hong Kong's central business district were blocked. Police urged protesters to back down.

According to SCMP, police used electric batons to stop the protesters, announcing that the activity was illegal. Some clashes broke out between police officers wearing gas masks and riot gear, and thousands of protesters wearing makeshift masks and holding umbrellas to avoid the tear gas. This was the first time tear gas has been used to stop protests since 2005.

Protests and strikes against new rules for electing the head of the Hong Kong government have been going on since last week. Protesters even stormed the government building. Many companies have advised their employees not to come to their headquarters in the city center and instead work from home.

Hong Kong became a special administrative region of China after being returned from Britain in 1997, enjoying special "one country, two systems" status under Beijing's leadership.

According to vnexpress