Hong Kong: 70-year-old dies after throwing stones

On the sidelines of anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which have been raging for months, there has been another death. According to the authorities on Thursday evening, a 70-year-old man succumbed to his serious injuries. Local media reported earlier that the man had been hit by a cobblestone on his head in a dispute between anti-government demonstrators and residents on Wednesday.

The violence in Hong Kong has escalated in recent days. Last week, the authorities confirmed the death of a student on the verge of rioting from a parking garage.

(Read a report from Hong Kong here)

On Monday, a policeman shot a young demonstrator in the stomach. His condition had improved during the week. Also on Monday, a radical protester fired a sympathizer from the government. His condition is critical. The same applies to a 15-year-old who was reportedly hit by a tear gas canister on his head.

The protests in the Chinese special administrative region, which have been going on for more than five months, are directed against the government: The Hong Kongers criticize, among other things, China's growing influence on the former crown colony. Since its return to China in 1997, Hong Kong has been autonomously governed by the principle of "one country, two systems".

In the video: "The movement is heading for a showdown"

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THE MIRROR

Protesters call for free elections, an independent investigation of police brutality and impunity for the already more than 4,000 detainees. The resignation of Prime Minister Carrie Lam is one of her demands.

Local traffic collapses, the city is lame

The recent escalation also has drastic consequences for educational institutions in the metropolis. The competent authority ordered a closure of all schools in the Chinese Special Administrative Region on Thursday because of ongoing riots. She cited safety concerns and public transport problems as the reason. Previously, several schools and universities had canceled the lesson for Wednesday.

In many places, traffic also came to a standstill on Wednesday. Protesters blocked roads and intersections in several places, and subway traffic was severely disrupted. In numerous stations, the operation had to be stopped in the middle of rush hour, because demonstrators prevented trains on the onward journey. Many shops were closed.