Sunday, September 1, 2019

Chaos on Hong Kong’s MTR network as police chase protesters into station, beat people on train, and arrest 63


Chaos on Hong Kong’s MTR network as police chase protesters into station, beat people on train, and arrest 63


  • Video footage shows members of police Special Tactical Squad, known as ‘raptors’, storming into train at Prince Edward station
  • Services at Prince Edward, Mong Kok and Kowloon Bay stations remain suspended after night of violence and vandalism
About five officers from the Special Tactical Squad hit four commuters inside an MTR train at Prince Edward station. Photo: TVBAbout five officers from the Special Tactical Squad hit four commuters inside an MTR train at Prince Edward station. Photo: TVB
About five officers from the Special Tactical Squad hit four commuters inside an MTR train at Prince Edward station. Photo: TVB
Two of Hong Kong’s busiest subway stations in Kowloon, Mong Kok and Prince Edward, remained closed throughout Sunday following a night of vandalism and shocking violence as radical anti-government protesters clashed with riot police.
Superintendent Tsui Suk-yee on Sunday said 63 people were arrested, including 54 men and nine women, aged 13 to 36, at Prince Edward and Mong Kok MTR stations.
The protesters were arrested for criminal damage, possessing offensive weapons, illegal assembly and possessing explosive substances. An investigation is still ongoing and police said they would not rule out more arrests could be made.
Tsui also said a 13-year-old boy was found at Prince Edward station with two petrol bombs and two lighters.
In a predawn press conference, police made no apology for tough action taken by elite personnel who chased fleeing protesters onto a stationary train on Saturday night, clubbing people wearing masks with batons, pepper spraying them, and making arrests in unprecedented scenes of chaos.

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