The tabling of a bill to criminalise disrespect of the Chinese national anthem and looming national security laws ignited street protests in Wan Chai and Causeway Bay in Hong Kong on May 24.
As in previous demonstrations, protesters marched peacefully, chanting slogans and waving banners against the government.Riot police responded with rounds of tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd, declaring it an unauthorised assembly.
At about 2:50pm, journalists standing on a planter to get a high position to shoot video were pepper-sprayed by Police.
Protesters set up roadblocks at different intersections.Police deployed water cannon at about 3:25pm.
Police arrested 120 protesters in front of SOGO Shopping Mall in Causeway Bay at 4:30pm.
A bystander's video, which went viral, shows that during the protest, a police officer grabbed a drink from a convenience store and left without paying, saying "Later! I owe you!". Police later issued a statement in response to the video, saying the drink was later paid for. Clearly, Hong Kong police are now free from legal consequences.
Residents who shouted their opposition at police from a building had a pepperball gun pointed at them in response.