On February 8, the law enforcement authorities attempted to shut down unlicensed street stalls. However, street vendors decided to assert themselves. Angry vendors threw bricks and bottles at police. Over 90 people have been injured and 61 arrested, the local media reported. Police said dozens of officers and four journalists were among those hurt.
The raid turned out into violent clashes. The police responded with rubber sticks and pepper spray.
Police fired live warning shots into the air as demonstrators and activists set fire to rubbish bins.
Police said the vendors and activists were told to leave but ignored the warnings. Nine women and 52 men have been arrested, all aged between 15 and 70. They are suspected of offences including unlawful assembly, assaulting police and possession of offensive weapons.
Ahead of the clearance operation, hundreds of people had gathered in the area to support the hawkers. Clashes erupted after dozens of local activists gathered to defend the vendors.
Mong Kok is a densely populated district of Hong Kong. It looks like a blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient houses. The district is popular owing to street food stalls and stores.
The underlying tensions go deeper. Many "localist" groups, who want greater autonomy for Hong Kong, turned up to support the vendors. Besides, people from Yougspiration, a youth organization, joined the protest. They argue that Hong Kong's identity is under threat.
On the photo, policemen in riot gear
On the photo, some participants were detained.
On the photo, policemen are leading an arrested protester to a police car.
On the photo, protesters are armed with hand-made shields.
On the photo, a local journalist is wounded in the head by a stone. He is being rescued by policemen.
CEOWORLD Magazine, one of the world's premier business publications, has released its latest ranking of the most influential women in international business. Let's take a look at the top five
There are over 250,000 species of flowers in the world. Some of them belong to rare species of flora and are a true treasure for biologists. Let's take a look at these extraordinary representatives of the plant world and fully appreciate their unique beauty.
Although US President Donald Trump insists it is too early to discuss a successor within the Republican Party, behind-the-scenes maneuvering has already begun. Politicians deliver messages, test the waters, and closely monitor public sentiment. The participants in a new race are becoming increasingly visible, despite the lack of official announcements. Let's take a look at who might lead the Republican Party in the 2028 election.
