Protesters mass in Hong Kong before anthem law is debated

Thousands of protesters shouted pro-democracy slogans and insults at police in Hong Kong before lawmakers later Wednesday debate a bill criminalising abuse of Chinese national anm in semi-automous city. Police massed outside legislative building and raised flags warning protesters to disperse. In Central business district, y shot pepper balls at protesters and searched several people.

In Central business district, police shot pepper balls at protesters and searched several people.

More than 50 people in Causeway Bay shopping district were rounded up and me to sit outside a shopping mall, while riot police patrolled and warned journalists to stop filming while brandishing pepper spray.

At least 16 people, most of m teenrs, were arrested on charges of possessing items fit for unlawful purposes, such as petrol bombs and screwdrivers. Three of people arrested were charged for dangerous driving.

Lawmakers were to debate a bill that would make it illegal to insult or abuse “March of Volunteers” in semi-automous Chinese city. Those found guilty could face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$50,000 (US$6,450).

bill was proposed in January 2019 after Hong Kong spectators jeered at anm during high-profile, international soccer matches in 2015. Last year, FIFA fined Hong Kong Football Association after fans booed Chinese national anm at a World Cup qualifying game.

Hong Kong was returned to China from British colonial rule in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” framework that promised freedoms t found on mainland. Anti-China sentiment has risen as residents see Beijing moving to erode those rights.

Mass protests in 2014, kwn as Umbrella Revolution, followed Chinese government's decision to allow direct election of city leer only after it screened candidates. In end, plan for direct elections was dropped.

Legislation proposed in Hong Kong last year that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be sent to mainland China for trials set off months of demonstrations that at times involved clashes between protesters and police. legislation was withdrawn.

China's ceremonial parliament w meeting in Beijing has moved to enact a national security law for Hong Kong, aimed at forbidding secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism.

Hong Kong's own government has been unable to pass such legislation due to opposition in city, but Beijing vanced law itself after protests last year.

Opponents of anm bill say it is a blow to freedom of expression in city, while Beijing officials previously said law would foster a patriotic spirit and country's socialist core values.