Hong Kong cops fire tear gas as protesters defy ban, set up roadblocks

Defying a ban by authorities on rallies, thousands of Hong Kong protesters std a march through Kowloon district on Friday. Amid volleys of tear gas fired by police, protesters formed makeshift roblocks and tossed firebombs, escalating violence. Protesters leing from front carried a black banner with slogan, "Five main demands, t one less" as y pressed for ir demands of accountability and political rights which includes full democracy of Hong Kong and an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality.

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Unrest continues unabated

Hong Kong police officials h strengned ir measures for unauthorized march by protesters, especially since  latest unrest that has disrupted life in semi-automous Chinese territory in June. black-cl masked protesters reportedly barriced streets at multiple locations in Kowloon where subway operator h restricted passenger access. Reportedly, a firebomb was also tossed at one of subway stations. In dendum to growing violence, protesters tore off stones from sidewalk and scattered m on ro, commandeered safety barriers and even unscrewed metal railings to form makeshift roblocks. 

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Police retaliation

Police authorities fired tear gas after protesters threw gasoline bombs towards one of subway stations while marching down street with standstill traffic. demonstrators also sang ir movement's anm and held up placards depicting Chinese flag as a Nazi swastika. 

“I can see some people want to give up, but I don’t want to do this because Hong Kong is my home, we want to protect this place, protect Hong Kong,” said Matw Lee, a university student who took part in   demonstrations. “You can’t give up because Hong Kong is your home,” he ded. 

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A masked protest against mask ban

Many protesters were seen wearing masks to oppose recent ban on face masks in public garing by Hong Kong leer Carrie Lam. volunteers were spotted also handing out more to ors in crowd. Organisers believe that even though y were denied to carry out ir rally on Sunday, it is ir right to protest as guaranteed by city's constitution despite risks involved. 

“We’re using peaceful, rational, nviolent ways to voice our demands,” Figo Chan, vice convener of Civil Human Rights Front, told reporters. “We’re t afraid of being arrested. What I’m most scared of is everyone giving up on our principles.” 

One of groups' leers, Jimmy Shan who has also organidsed some of biggest marches in anti-government movement was attacked by police on Wednesday. Moreover, Hong Kong police h also arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of his connection with stabbing of a teen activist who was distributing leaflets near a wall plastered with messs of pro-democracy. Reportedly, a witness said that assailant shouted pro-Beijing messs after stabbing and wounding teenr. 

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(With AP inputs)