A large crowd of pro-democracy activists gathered yesterday in front of the US consulate in Hong Kong to demand the US administration pressure Beijing after three months of demonstrations.
The protesters gathered in a park before heading to the nearby US consulate where they stayed for hours.
They carried umbrellas that became their symbol alongside American flags and banners calling on US President Donald Trump to "liberate" Hong Kong. Some protesters chanted the US national anthem and demanded that Washington pressure Beijing to help Hong Kong protect freedoms.
The demonstration was held during the day in a calm atmosphere, but there was a clash in the evening between police and extremist demonstrators who blocked roads, attacked subway stations and burnt barriers.
The protesters' anger does not appear to be easing four days after the surprise announcement by Chief Executive Officer Carrie Lam that a bill on the extradition of wanted men to China was finally withdrawn and sparked the protests in June.
But the demonstrators believe that the decision was delayed, especially as it is insufficient compared to their demands.
On the other hand, activist Joshua Wong announced that he was arrested yesterday morning, upon his return from Taiwan for violating the conditions of his bail.
Last week, he went to Taiwan to meet with political figures and give a speech on Hong Kong's battle for democracy. He said in a statement published by his political party «Democisto»: «police arrested me in the airport customs department for violating the conditions of my release on bail and became arrested».