Biodun Iginla, BBC News

Biodun Iginla, BBC News

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Hong Kong clashes as police clear food stalls


  • 2 hours ago

by Coco Jiang and Biodun Iginla, BBC News, Hong Kong
Media captionHundreds took part in the violent protests
Clashes have broken out in Hong Kong's Mong Kok district as police cleared illegal food stalls set up for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Violence erupted overnight as food and hygiene inspectors tried to remove vendors from the junction of Portland Street and Shan Tung Street.
Angry protesters threw bricks and other missiles at police.
Police used batons and pepper spray and fired two warning shots into the air. At least 23 people were arrested.
At least 44 people, including police and journalists, were injured.
Chief Executive CY Leung has condemned the unrest, saying Hong Kong "can never tolerate that and the police will spare no effort to arrest the rioters".
It is the largest unrest in Hong Kong since the massive pro-democracy street protests in 2014.
Police and public scuffle in Mong Kok, Hong Kong (9 Feb 2016)Image copyright AP
Image caption The clashes broke out in the early hours of the morning
Protesters throwing bricks and other objects towards the policeImage copyright AP
Image caption Protesters threw bricks in the clashes, which went on past dawn
Protesters start fires in Mong Kong, Hong Kong (9 Feb 2016)Image copyright AP
Image caption The protesters lit several fires in the streets
A police officer walks past a fire burning at barricadesImage copyright AP
Image caption Police said they were enforcing laws against illegal hawking when the trouble began
Street stalls are common in the Mong Kok area year-round, but particularly during the New Year holiday, where they are popular with locals for selling traditional new year snacks.
The BBC's Juliana Liu in Hong Kong says officials usually turn a blind eye to the hawkers' lack of official permits, but this year decided to crack down.
Ahead of the clearance operation, hundreds of people had gathered in the area to defend the hawkers.
Police said the vendors and activists were told to leave but ignored the warnings.
Riot police in the streets of Mong Kong, Hong Kong (9 Feb 2016)Image copyright Getty Images
Image caption Police said some officers were among the injured
Injured member of the media being carried awayImage copyright Reuters
Image caption Members of the media were also hit with stones
Clashes then broke out in the early hours, and carried on past dawn. But the scene was quiet by Tuesday morning.
Among the protesters were reportedly some "localist" - anti-Beijing - groups.
Baggio Leung, leader of the Youngspiration political party, told the BBC he and 10 other party members went to protest. The group said they were defending local culture.
One of them was arrested, Mr Leung said.
Acting District Commander Yau Siu-kei confirmed reports that an officer had fired two warning shots into the air. He said the officer had to act protect colleagues, the South China Morning Post said.
He said 44 people, including police, were injured and blamed "radical elements". for the unrest.
The unrest was widely referenced on social media, where it was dubbed #fishballrevolution after one of the food delicacies sold by the hawkers.
A rioter attacks a police officer on the groundImage copyright Reuters
Image caption The violence has shocked many Hong Kong residents
Injured man being led away by policeImage copyright AP
Image caption A number of protesters were also injured and at least three arrested
Rioter, about to throw a rock at policeImage copyright Getty Images
Image caption Police said protesters ignored warnings to leave the areas
Chair in deserted street, with bricks stacked up on topImage copyright Reuters
Image caption The area was left a mess once the trouble was finally over
Plainclothes police arrest a shouting manImage copyright Reuters
Image caption There were several arrests at the scene

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