The clashes between police and protesters have become increasingly violent. Recently, a police operation was filmed in the Prince Edward metro station. The images show heavily equipped riot police spraying tear gas up close to passengers inside the wagons. A number of people are injured by baton blows and dragged away.

"Violence important means"

- My impression is that the ruling government in Beijing is using the violence as an important means to end the protests. China has mobilized its entire propaganda apparatus and is now tightening its thumbs against protesters' increasingly radical demands. This is stated by Torbjörn Lodén, professor emeritus in China's language and culture at Stockholm University.

Protesters throw fire bombs

Most protests are conducted peacefully, but there are reports of violence and vandalism by protesters. Stones and fire bombs have been thrown at the police.

"The violence means that the opposition side is taking the right to strike back, which can also be used to legitimize a military intervention from Beijing," Torbjörn Lodén told SVT News.

"No way out of the crisis"

He believes that more and more people are joining the protesters because Hong Kong's special status is under threat.

But he sees no way out of the crisis.

- When the British left Hong Kong, the people were given informal assurances that they would soon be able to elect their own leaders in free elections. The overwhelming majority in Hong Kong now demand that these demands be met. The management's refusal to listen means that more and more people go one step further and demand a free and independent Hong Kong, something that the leaders in Beijing can never accept, says Torbjörn Lodén.

"It is important now that the outside world - including our government - make it clear that it is unacceptable to try to quell the protests in Hong Kong by force and that we urge the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing to start a dialogue about their demands," he believes.