Violence flares as HK protests start 9th week

The police reiterated that anyone participating in an unauthorized assembly will be committing an offense.

Security at the Sham Shui Po Police Station had been strengthened as protesters turned out on Sunday for a banned rally in the district in the afternoon. They soon occupied Cheung Sha Wan Road and set up barriers along the main thoroughfare. Others surrounded the police station and, ignoring a police warning to disperse, targeted officers with laser pointers.

At about the same time on the other side of the financial hub, demonstrators dressed mostly in black gathered in Victoria Park. Some were seen waving American flags.

After a brief peaceful demonstration, they left the park to take over Hennessy Road, a major thoroughfare in the heart of the shopping district in Causeway Bay, blocking traffic and disturbing tourists. In hit-and-run tactics, they also went to Wan Chai, taking similar actions.

Those protesters face the risk of arrest because they deviated from the planned rally's location.

Under Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance, participating in an unlawful assembly is punishable by five years' imprisonment, and rioting carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

Also on Sunday, demonstrators continued to occupy the Hong Kong International Airport arrivals hall for a third day.