After a shot at a young demonstrator in Hong Kong, the anger of the anti-government protesters has been recharged. Early Thursday morning saw street battles in the Chinese Special Administrative Region. The protesters threw gasoline bombs, set up street blockades and devastated shops and subway stations.
The police used tear gas. She said that the demonstrators' actions had "seriously undermined public order" and threatened "the personal safety of police officers and members of the public". The police union demands the imposition of a curfew. "We are experiencing a series of such massive turmoil that we can not work (...) without proper action and support from the highest authorities," said Junior Police Officers Association chief executive Lam Chi-wai.
Thousands of people took part in the new demonstrations. "Wherever there are protests nearby, I will come," interior designer Alex Chan said in the bustling Causeway Bay shopping district. "I'm here tonight for one simple reason: you're not shooting at a teenager up close," he said. "These protests will continue, and we will not give up."
EU is worried about escalation
The 18-year-old student had been shot by a police officer on Tuesday in heavy clashes. His condition is now stable. It was the first time a protester was injured by live ammunition during months of protests.
The European Union has been concerned about the escalation of violence and the use of firearms in Hong Kong. It remains true that only restraint, de-escalation and dialogue continued, said EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Wednesday evening. Fundamental freedoms for the people of Hong Kong should be respected, including freedom of assembly. These rights would have to be exercised peacefully.
The EU attaches great importance to Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, Mogherini added. Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and the independence of the judiciary remained crucial for the development of the former British Crown Colony.