Clashes Erupt in Hong Kong Protests

Police in Hong Kong made violent arrests on Friday and Saturday as students and pro-democracy activists stormed a public square near the government’s headquarters to protest China’s rejection of free elections and universal suffrage earlier this month.

At least 60 activists were taken into custody throughout the night as another 100 refused to move from the area, Civic Square, and chanted at police to stop making arrests. Approximately 74 protesters were arrested overall throughout the weekend as the rally continued on into Saturday morning. As of 10:30pm in Hong Kong (10:30AM EST), some of the arrested students had returned to the site of the protests, although some of the leaders remained in custody.

One prominent member of the group, Joshua Wong, was among those arrested Friday night. He has reportedly been denied bail. Police have yet to confirm what his charges are.

“No fear for civil disobedience!” the protesters chanted.

The march was organized largely by the activist group Occupy Central with Peace and Love—a reference to Central, the region’s business district—which has been instrumental in creating the pro-democracy movement that emerged after the Chinese government ruled that it would not allow free elections in its 2017 cycle. Protesters have held several rallies since that time, while at least 3,000 students involved in the organization have staged class boycotts and walkouts.

The arrests followed additional moves by riot police, including using pepper spray to dispel peaceful protesters and others who attempted to cross over barriers into the government buildings earlier Friday night. At least 29 people have been injured, police said.

“We strongly condemn such action which not only violates the police code of conduct but also tramples on people’s freedom of expression,” Occupy Central said.