On February 8, the law enforcement authorities attempted to shut down unlicensed street stalls. However, street vendors decided to assert themselves. Angry vendors threw bricks and bottles at police. Over 90 people have been injured and 61 arrested, the local media reported. Police said dozens of officers and four journalists were among those hurt.
The raid turned out into violent clashes. The police responded with rubber sticks and pepper spray.
Police fired live warning shots into the air as demonstrators and activists set fire to rubbish bins.
Police said the vendors and activists were told to leave but ignored the warnings. Nine women and 52 men have been arrested, all aged between 15 and 70. They are suspected of offences including unlawful assembly, assaulting police and possession of offensive weapons.
Ahead of the clearance operation, hundreds of people had gathered in the area to support the hawkers. Clashes erupted after dozens of local activists gathered to defend the vendors.
Mong Kok is a densely populated district of Hong Kong. It looks like a blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient houses. The district is popular owing to street food stalls and stores.
The underlying tensions go deeper. Many "localist" groups, who want greater autonomy for Hong Kong, turned up to support the vendors. Besides, people from Yougspiration, a youth organization, joined the protest. They argue that Hong Kong's identity is under threat.
On the photo, policemen in riot gear
On the photo, some participants were detained.
On the photo, policemen are leading an arrested protester to a police car.
On the photo, protesters are armed with hand-made shields.
On the photo, a local journalist is wounded in the head by a stone. He is being rescued by policemen.
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