Hundreds of black-clad demonstrators were met by both undercover cops and anti-riot police officers who made several arrests and launched tear gas canisters to disperse anti-government protests around multiple shopping centers in Hong Kong.
Christmas Eve night was anything but silent in Hong Kong as various members of the Hong Kong Police Force were dispersed to the Yoho Mall II in Yuen Long and Tsim Sha Tsui’s Harbour City shopping center throughout the day and into the night.
Footage published by Channel News Asia (CNA) shows plainclothes officers armed with collapsable batons clashing with, and arresting demonstrators within the shopping center. Anti-riot cops were also present on the scene.
Quoting an AFP reporter from the scene, CNA reported the situation within the Harbour City mall escalated shortly after the hundreds of black-clad, masked protesters arrived and sparked a reaction out of the undercover officers.
Tear gas was eventually used by police officers around the scene to disperse demonstrators occupying main roads and blocking traffic near the shopping center.
The outlet noted that the demonstrator was carried to the hospital in a conscious state and was arrested for “assaulting a police officer” after he received medical attention.
Authorities have been on high alert for possible demonstrations at local shopping centers since it was reported that radical protesters had issued a “call-out” for holiday assembly over anti-government forums and messenger apps.
In addition to taking precautions such as the stationing of plainclothes police officers amongst shoppers, city officials have also canceled Hong Kong’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration over Victoria Harbor and instead opted for a “Symphony of Lights” show.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
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