Hong Kong protesters clash with police inside shopping centre

Police in Hong Kong have fought with protesters who marched through a shopping centre demanding mainland Chinese traders leave the territory, in a fresh weekend of anti-government tension.

The protest in Sheung Shui, near Hong Kong’s boundary with the mainland, was part of efforts to pressure the government by disrupting economic activity.

About 100 protesters marched through the centre shouting “Liberate Hong Kong” and “Return to the mainland”.

Police in civilian clothes with clubs tackled and handcuffed some protesters. One officer fired pepper spray at protesters and reporters.
Some shoppers argued with police, who were dressed in olive fatigues and helmets and blocked walkways in the shopping centre.

Protests that began in June over a proposed extradition law have spread to include demands for more democracy and other grievances.

The proposed law was withdrawn but protesters now demand the resignation of the territory’s leader, Carrie Lam, and other changes.

Protesters complain Beijing and Ms Lam’s government are eroding the autonomy and Western-style civil liberties promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to China in 1997.

On Saturday, some merchants in the Sheung Shui shopping centre wrapped orange tape around kiosks or partially closed security doors in shops, but most business went ahead normally.

Hong Kong, which has no sales tax and a reputation for genuine products, is popular with Chinese traders who buy merchandise to resell on the mainland.
Sheung Shui was the site of clashes between police and demonstrators in June.

Earlier this week, protesters smashed windows in shopping areas over the Christmas holiday. Some fought with police.

A total of 336 people, some as young as 12, were arrested between Monday and Thursday, according to police. That brought the total number of people arrested over six months of protests to nearly 7,000.

Protesters have damaged subway stations, banks and other public facilities.

Earlier this month, opposition candidates won a majority of posts in elections for district representatives, the lowest level of government.