Protesters in Hong Kong tried to block roads and disrupt traffic early Wednesday (May 27) morning but heavy police presence and searches ahead of the…
Protesters in Hong Kong tried to block roads and disrupt traffic early Wednesday (May 27) morning but heavy police presence and searches ahead of the second reading of the national anthem Bill have put a dent in their plans.
Some drivers tried to disrupt the traffic at the cross-harbor tunnel at about 8:30 am by driving slowly but officers intercepted those vehicles concerned and diverted traffic.
Police officers were clearing roadblocks in several areas after a group of “thugs” sought to disrupt traffic with nails and other debris, police said in a statement posted on Facebook.
It warned commuters to check traffic conditions before heading out. “The police warn the mob to stop illegal activities immediately, otherwise they will be arrested,” it said.
Police said seven people aged between 14 and 22 have been arrested for possessing offensive weapons including petrol bombs, screwdriver and protest gear.
The planned protest and strike on Wednesday is the latest indication of the strength of the anti-government movement that led to unrest in the city last year and is now gathering against a proposed national security law, and a controversial national anthem Bill due to be read a second time.
Netizens called for protests on Wednesday morning and at night, while more than 30 trade unions spanning across aviation, hotel and beauty industries on Tuesday called for a strike against the move.
They said high-ranking officials, who one by one have pledged support for the proposed law, drafted by Beijing last week, were backing it to protect their own interests.
Under the new law, it would become the norm for people to report each other, they said.
