"Lady Liberty" with gas mask: democracy activists erect statue in Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong authorities are increasingly cracking down on protesters, protests have returned. In several quarters of the city, there were also clashes with the police, but less violent than in recent weeks.

Demonstrators struck street barricades in areas such as Mongkok and Tai Po, sprayed Chinese businesses with graffiti, and dropped windows. Dozens of demonstrators were arrested.

In the night to Sunday activists had already set up in protest a four-meter-high statue on the top of the Lion Rock. Volunteers carried the 80-pound statue in two pieces on the mountain, as the organizers announced. Accordingly, she should stand permanently on the 495 meter high Lion Rock if she is not removed by the authorities.

The "Lady Liberty" is a protester wearing a gas mask, goggles and helmet. In one hand she wears an umbrella, in the other a black flag with the protest slogan "Free Hong Kong, Revolution Now". She has been ridden through the city in several peaceful rallies in recent months.

Prime Minister threatens the protest movement

In Hong Kong, mass protests have been ongoing for months against the growing influence of the Beijing government and the curtailment of civil rights. Initially, the protests were against a planned law that included rendition of suspects to mainland China.

In the meantime, the protests are generally directed against the pro-Chinese leadership in Hong Kong and the restriction of democracy. On the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic, the protests in the Special Administrative Region escalated. For the first time a demonstrator was shot.

Recently, head of government Carrie Lam had no longer ruled out that China could interfere with military force. Also, the government in Hong Kong had obtained a cover-up ban in early October under the Emergency Law. So far, the demonstrators use masks and glasses many times to protect themselves from tear gas or pepper spray. They also want to prevent the police to identify them - for example with facial recognition software.