Thousands of protestors remained on the streets of Hong Kong today following two days of protests alleging interference with Hong Kong’s election process by Beijing.

Travel retail industry sources in Hong Kong confirmed today that riot police were finally withdrawn overnight, after describing disproportionate tear gas, pepper spray and baton charge reactions to protestors occupying areas in the shopping district area of Causeway Bay and around government headquarters and the Central business district.

According to media reports today, an estimated 150-plus people have been arrested over the last two days since the well-planned protests began.

A source in Hong Kong who preferred not to be identified told TRBusiness today: “It has all settled down now and it is very peaceful, although it was touch and go and heavy handed to begin with. The police were just wearing the protestors down yesterday, but it is calm now.”

Another travel retail executive said: “The Hang Seng is off a couple of per cent, so some people have obviously been moving some of their money out, but today seems peaceful.” He said that many workers in the business district were also told to work at home today, as premises were temporarily closed.

The press conference held at the Central Government Offices yesterday afternoon (September 28). Attendees included the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung (third left); the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam (third right); the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (second left); the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tsang Wai-hung (second right); Under Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee (first left); and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Wong Chi-hung (first right).

 

SIGNIFICANT DISRUPTION
Other sources told TRBusiness that the disruption has been significant for road transport in particular and some businesses and banks have closed temporarily in the immediate areas where the protests have taken place.

The knock-on effect has also affected the airport, with Airport Authority Hong Kong saying today: “Due to incident in Hong Kong Central, Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Kowloon Mongkok, public transport services to and from the airport could be affected. Passengers are advised to check the availability of transport services and allow ample travel time to and from the airport.”

According to local sources, police reaction to the protests appeared to take on a new dimension yesterday after the ‘Occupy Central’ protest movement linked up with the crowds.

Central to the grievances said to be held by the protestors is anger at perceived interference in the election 2017 process, where some believe that the Chinese Government is trying to influence who will be allowed to stand and who will not. Some protestors have also called for the resignation of Hong Kong’s Chief Executive leader Leung Chun-ying.

 

 

Leung Chun-ying, CEO of the Hong Kong SAR Government commenting at a specially convened press conference yesterday.

 

HKSAR GOVERNMENT AND POLICE RESPOND
Leung Chun-ying held a press conference yesterday where he appealed for calm: “I and my Government have all along been listening attentively to the views of the members of public. The public are encouraged to express their aspirations peacefully, rationally and lawfully, and to respect and accommodate different views in the society.”

He continued: “The HKSAR Government is resolute in opposing the unlawful occupation actions by ‘Occupy Central’. The Police shall continue to handle the situation in accordance with the law.”

Responding to a reporter who asked why pepper spray had been used on unarmed protestors, Commissioner of Police, Tsang Wai-hung said there were two sides to every story: “Police have very strict guidelines on the use of force, and we’ll only use force when it’s necessary and ensure that only the minimum necessary force is used.

“Members of public would no doubt be able to see from the footage of the news report, for instance, of the act of those demonstrators or protesters who charged against the Central Government Offices, as well as the LegCo building, resulting in injuries caused to both security guards, police officers and the demonstrators themselves.

 

“Police have a duty to protect members of public, and will take resolute action as necessary to ensure that this is done.”[The full statement with comments from HKSAR CEO Leung Chun-ying and Commissioner of Police Tsang Wai-hung can be found at the following link: http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201409/28/P201409280998.htm].

 

TOP IMAGE: Protestors sit in at Causeway Bay. [Photo credit: Courtesy of Citobun].