2014-07-02
Policemen remove protesters in the Central business district after a pro-democracy rally seeking greater democracy in Hong Kong early on July 2, 2014.
AFP
Hong Kong police arrested more than 500 protesters early Wednesday during an all-night sit-in following a mass pro-democracy march that drew up to half a million people who called for universal suffrage and the right to political autonomy.
The arrests prompted immediate criticisms from rights groups and activists, who said the protesters shouldn't have been detained for "peaceful and legitimate" actions in the former British colony, which has traditionally enjoyed the freedoms of expression and association.
The mass arrests came after police gave verbal and written warnings to the crowd, before moving to clear the streets in Hong Kong's Central business district of thousands of student-led protesters, who had linked arms and were sitting in the road.
The operation began at around 3.00 a.m. local time and continued until the beginning of the business day, as each of the 2,000 or more protesters was removed individually, or eventually left of their own accord, at the prearranged time of 8.00 a.m.
Police later said that 511 demonstrators were arrested for illegal assembly or obstructing police, including a number of pro-democracy lawmakers.
Police had read out a message, displaying a printed version in Chinese and English: "Please cooperate with police and move towards the vehicles provided by police. Otherwise, the police may employ necessary force to remove you," it said.
Protesters continued to sing and chant slogans calling for democracy as police carrying plastic handcuffs moved in, removing protesters and carrying them off to waiting buses.
