Hong Kong shops fortify facades as protest violence grows in the city

As Hong Kong’s protest movement becomes increasingly violent, some shops are battening hatches. Banks, retailers, restaurants and travel nts with ties to mainland China or perceived pro-Beijing ownership have fortified ir faces over apparent fear of furr dam after protesters trashed businesses following a recent pro-democracy rally. 

Local businesses affected due to protest

Branches of state-owned Chinese banks across city reinforced ir glass fronts with walls of steel on Friday. A Japanese odle chain, a sushi chain and Starbucks outlets that have been targeted by protesters also covered up ir shopfronts with wooden panels. three are reportedly operated by a restaurant company founded by a tycoon whose daughter has deunced protesters. protesters have been rallying since June for full democracy and police accountability. But rallies have ended in increasing violence as protesters throwing firebombs are met by police with tear gas, pepper spray, and water canns.

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Hong Kong Protest went violent

Protesters set fire to Chinese bank branches and Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi’s boutique on Sunday after an unauthorized rally by tens of thousands of people. A welder put finishing touches on grey steel panels covering up an Industrial and Commercial Bank of China branch in city’s Wan Chai district. Across street, a state-owned China Travel Service outlet was getting same treatment.

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Signs at a nearby China Construction Bank branch said “enhancement work was in progress” but it was business as usual and apologized for inconvenience. Staff at businesses refused to comment. A passing pro-democracy supporter, restaurant manr Tim Lo, said it wouldn’t solve root cause of conflict. “Barricing is useless,” he said.

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