Hong Kong tensions flare at Melbourne protest
Pro-China counter protesters gesture towards Hong Kong democracy demonstrators during a rally at the State Library in Melbourne. Photo: AAP
Scuffles have broken out after hundreds of protesters converged in Melbourne’s city centre for a pro-Hong Kong rally.
Social media videos shows rival activists jostling as tempers flared at the demonstration.
TONIGHT: Clashes in Melbourne between #hongkong pro-democracy and “One-#China” camps. pic.twitter.com/OPIYVJtal0
— Maree Ma (@maree_jun) August 16, 2019
The two groups faced off and exchanged heated words before police formed a line separating the groups.
Pro-China nationalistic mainlander crowd insulting Hong Kong protesters by calling them “traitors” and “dogs”, along with other Mandarin profanity. This is in Melbourne. #Melbourne#HongKongProtest pic.twitter.com/dMdrYR2slg
— Joshua Yakumangana (@joshyakumangana) August 16, 2019
The violence in Melbourne follows months of protests in Hong Kong over plans for laws allowing extraditions to mainland China.
-AAP
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