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The Guardian - AU
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Adam Gabbatt (now), Kate Lyons and Jedidajah Otte (earlier)

Hong Kong protests: at least 50 injured, reports say, after police fire teargas – as it happened

We’re going to end our live coverage now, thanks for reading. Here’s the Guardian’s main news story on today’s events, from Christy Choi and Verna Yu in Hong Kong.

Updated

Police stopped a public bus following the demonstration outside the Legco building, Verna Yu says, reportedly searching for protesters.

They stopped the bus around 1.15am and checked all the passengers. Police scrutinized their ID cards, ordered passengers to remove their masks, and at 1.45am were still searching people. Passengers were made to stand on one side of the bus while the police searched others.

Mainland China’s entirely state-controlled media made no mention of Monday’s protests, according to the Associated Press:

The main evening news broadcast carried video of the flag-raising ceremony, along with parts of Lam’s address and shots of Hong Kong residents praising displays put on by the People’s Liberation Army garrison in the territory.

Chinese media outlets have barely reported on the protests since they began last month, other than to blame foreign forces for stirring up unrest.

This was the scene outside Legco earlier:

More than 50 injured in protests – report

The Hong Kong hospital authority said it had treated 54 people following today’s protests, according to the South China Morning Post. Three people are reportedly in a serious condition:

As of 11pm, 38 men and 16 women had been taken to hospital after the various protests on Monday, including the July 1 march, according to the Hospital Authority. They did not give a breakdown of how many injured came from each protest. Among them, one man and two women are in serious condition. Five men and three women are stable. All others have been discharged.

This is from Phila Siu, a journalist at the South China Morning Post:

Here’s some pictures from outside the Legco building in Hong Kong, as police clear protestors from the scene:

Riot police fire tear gas as they arrive to disperse protesters from the Legislative Council building.
Riot police fire tear gas as they arrive to disperse protesters from the Legislative Council building. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA
Riot police gather outside the Legislative Council building.
Riot police gather outside the Legislative Council building. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA
Police clash with protesters outside the Legislative Council building.
Police clash with protesters outside the Legislative Council building. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA

Christy Choi sends this report from Hong Kong, where it looks set to be a long night as police are clashing with protesters outside the Legislative Council building:

Police armed with shields and riot gear held up black flag the reads: “Tear gas warning,” then shot off several rounds of teargas into the protesters. They climbed over hurdles and barricades put up by protesters earlier in the day and charged at the people gathered.

Outside Legco protesters wearing hard hats, goggles and masks, clutching umbrellas ran away, as smoke filled the air around them. Several protesters poured water to extinguish a tear gas shot that landed on the ground.

The police special task squad in black gear were at the scene.

Earlier in the evening, protesters stormed the Legislative building and vandalized the interior heavily, after hours spent trying to break into the government HQ complex.

Police left protestors largely unhindered – a move that lawmaker Fernando Cheung suggested may police have been a deliberate tactic, aimed at swinging public sentiment against the protest movement with the help of violent and destructive scenes.

Christy writes that for the past month, protesters have been demanding the withdrawal of a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland. The rallies are the latest manifestation of growing fears that China is stamping down on the city’s freedoms and culture with the help of the finance hub’s pro-Beijing leaders.

Although returned to Chinese rule in 1997, Hong Kong is still administered separately under an arrangement known as “one country, two systems”. The city enjoys rights and liberties unseen on the autocratic mainland, but many residents fear Beijing is already reneging on that deal.

Riot police arrive to disperse protesters from the Legislative Council building.
Riot police arrive to disperse protesters from the Legislative Council building. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA

Updated

This update is from Reuters:

Police arrived by bus and ran into position as about a thousand protesters gathered around the Legislative Council building in the heart of the former British colony’s financial district.

Police fired several rounds of tear gas as protesters held up umbrellas to protect themselves or fled. Plumes of smoke billowed across major thoroughfares and in between some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

Here’s a look at the scene outside Legco:

Live footage from outside Legco shows police gathered at one of the holes in the glass that protesters created earlier.

Some officers are holding blue signs which say: “This meeting or procession is in breach of the law. Disperse or we may use force.” Other officers are waving black signs which say: “Tear smoke”.

Verna Yu reports that some protesters are throwing objects at police.

Police fire teargas outside Legco building

Hong Kong police are using teargas outside the Legco building, Verna Yu reports.

“The scene outside Legco is filled with smoke, people screaming and running away,” Verna says.

The livestream set up by protesters shows clouds of gas filling the air outside Legco. Scores of police officers, wearing riot gear and carrying plastic shields, are moving towards protestors.

Protesters wearing hard hats, goggles and mask with umbrellas running away, Verna reports. Police have climbed over hurdles and barricades put up by protesters earlier in the day.

Updated

This is from Jon Williams, managing director of RTE News:

Hong Kong police claim some protestors have scattered “harmful powder” towards its officers. The Guardian is unable to confirm this. Earlier police said it will “use appropriate force” to clear protestors from the Legco building. Here’s the police statement:

A group of violent protestors stormed the Legislative Council Complex by mills barriers, iron poles and miscellaneous objects this afternoon, leaving the complex facilities seriously damaged. During the period, some protestors scattered unknown powder at police officers at scene, causing some of them to feel unwell. Initial inspection by the Fire Services Department confirmed the unknown powder is slightly toxic and prolonged contact will lead to swollen and sensitive skin. Large amount of water is required to cleanse and decontaminate the substance.

Feeling unwell, two police officers were sent to hospital after getting in touch with the powder at the Legislative Council Complex. They were discharged after treatment and decontamination.

Police severely condemn the protesters who used harmful powder to attack police officers. Police will conduct comprehensive investigation and follow up the case in stringent manner.

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), the organizers of the main protest march downtown, and pan-democratic lawmakers say Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam has rejected their approach for talks to end the crisis. CHRF has reissued its call for Lam to step down. Here’s the full statement:

With regard to the actions by the crowd in admiralty, pan-democratic legislators and Civil Human Rights Front make the following joint statement.

Carrie Lam states today at the July 1 reception, that she would respond to people’s demands, become more open and tolerant. She has not shown any sincerity to respond or to communicate so far. She has rejected to face the society, ignored the demands of the people and pushed youngsters towards desperation.

Pan-democratic legislators have requested to meet with Lam today to seek solution in this political crisis. But the request of dialogue has been rejected by Lam. We cannot be angrier at her rejection to the request, which proves her “willingness to listen” to be the ugliest political lie. Lam’s arrogance revealed by her public responses since June 9 have only poured fuel to the flame, and lead to the crisis today. Lam is the culprit.

We hereby request that Lam faces the public view directly, respond to the demands of the people raised since June 9, solves the crisis that she started. She should also stop any crackdown on the public demands and avoid any injury.

We reiterate the five demands of Civil Human Rights Front, Pan-democratic legislators and Hongkongers raised since June:

1. Complete withdrawal of the extradition bill;

2. Investigate responsibility to shoot;

3. Retract the characterisation of protest as riot;

4. Release arrested protesters;

5. Carrie Lam, step down!

The Legislative Council Secretariat has announced that the Legco will be closed to the public indefinitely. The full statement:

The Legislative Council Secretariat announced today [July 1] that all guided tours and services to the public in the LegCo Complex, including the service of the Public Complaints Office and visits to the LegCo Library, Archives and Children’s Corner, are suspended until further notice.

Verna Yu, our reporter on the ground in Hong Kong, has been speaking to a 24-year-old protester, who asked not to be named. (A number of participants fear repercussions for their actions.)

“We all know that the rioting charge carries 10 years in jail, [the maximum sentence] but why did we still do it? It’s because we have utterly lost hope in this place,” the protester said.

“They have not responded to any of our demands [of withdrawal of the extradition law and investigating police violence].”

The 24-year-old said he didn’t particularly want to barge into the Legco, but since there were a small number of people who went in already, he thought he should support them and make up the numbers, because he believed it would make it harder for the police to charge many people.

HK police will 'use an appropriate level of force' to clear protesters

Hong Kong police have issued a statement on their Facebook page, warning they will “use an appropriate level of force” if protesters do not leave the Legislative Chamber building. [I’ve added bold for emphasis]:

The police issues the strongest condemnation to the rioters who violently mobbed and forcibly entered the Legislative Council. The police will clear the vicinity shortly and if obstructed or resisted, the police would use an appropriate level of force. The police urge protesters who are not involved to leave the Legislative Council vicinity as quickly as possible.

Summary

  • After hours of trying to break into government HQ, protesters have stormed the Legislative Chamber building and have vandalised the interior heavily, spraying graffiti on the chamber walls and attempting to install a Hong Kong colonial flag featuring the British Union Jack
  • Police have issued several warnings and appeared to be gearing up for violent clashes with the crowd, but have left the protesters largely unhindered in their efforts
  • It has been suggested that this inaction from the police was a trap, aimed at swinging public sentiment against the protest movement with the help of violent and destructive scenes
  • The majority of people who turned out in today’s protests marched peacefully through downtown Hong Kong without any scenes of violence or chaos

I am now handing over to my colleague Adam Gabbatt.

Updated

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt just tweeted about the Hong Kong protests:

Verna Yu reports that protesters have unfurled a black banner inside the chamber with the words “There are no rioters, only a violent regime.”

Christy Choi writes:

Protesters are sensitive about the government referring to them as rioters.

This is partly because a rioting charge carries an up to ten year jail term, and also because the government had labelled an earlier much less violent clash on June 12 as rioting.

Videos had circulated of mostly peaceful protesters – a handful had been seen throwing bricks – being beaten and pepper sprayed by police.

Police that day fired 150 rounds of teargas and even rubber bullets.

They and the government later back-tracked on this designation after an estimated 2 million people took to the streets in protest – and kept calling for the shelving of the controversial extradition law amendment bill.

James Griffiths from CNN International says there will be a public backlash and quotes the vice-chair of the democratic Labour party Fernando Cheung, who describes the latest events as a “trap” set by the government for the protesters.

Updated

Images from the Legislative Council chamber:

Still no sign of police, it seems:

Verna Yu reports that other graffiti slogans tagged on the chamber walls read “release the righteous fighters” and “we want genuine universal suffrage”.

Protesters have barged into the council chamber and sprayed the walls with graffiti such as “anti extradition law”. One young man was seen trying to install a Hong Kong colonial flag - which features the Union Jack - over the Hong Kong special administration region emblem, and eventually resorting to black spray paint instead.

Pretty incredible scenes of chaos from inside the Ledco building. Somehow, protesters have set up a feed with nine different screens simultaneously showing live footage from various points inside the building, providing a flood of visuals from the epicentre of destruction.

At some point, protesters took to framed portaits of politicians - unclear of whom exactly, but said to be those of past chair people from the Legislative Council - and started defacing them with poles and hammers.

Hong Kong protesters filmed storming Legislative Council building

Live footage shows protesters vandalising the building’s interior, driving metal trolleys into walls and throwing chairs around.

Updated

Hundreds of protesters have now properly broken into the Legislative Council building, and are moving in with home-made shields. Our reporter Christy Choi says, judging from local TV live coverage, it appears the police have cleared from the areas they had been occupying earlier inside the building. It looks as if protesters are running through the entire complex. Previously, an internal barrier had prevented the crowd from penetrating the building properly.

Updated

The police now seem to be using pepper spray or smoke against the protesters at the legislative council building.

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), the organisers of the main protest march downtown, have said they “cannot reach an agreement with police” regarding the protests around the Legco building.

Issuing a warning to protesters who decide to join the Legco crowd, CHRF said: “Due to the above changes, march from Southorn Playground to Chater Road is not covered by letter of no objection issued by police. We hereby urge protesters to note possible legal implications. And please always take care of your own safety.”

Our reporter on the ground Verna Yu says she has been urged at least ten times today not to take pictures of the protests outside the Legco building, as participants fear repercussions for their actions. While the main march is officially authorised by police, the smaller one at Legco is not, and protesters could face riot or illegal assembly charges and up to ten years of prison.

This from Quartz’s Isabella Steger on the atmosphere outside the damaged Legislative Council building:

As night sets, yet more protesters are pouring into the area surrounding the government HQ, building a sea of yellow helmets. The crowd is fired up with megaphone announcements and occasional chants.

The main protest march still flows through downtown Hong Kong.

A sea of protesters outside the Legco building in Hong Kong
A sea of protesters outside the Legco building in Hong Kong Photograph: Verna Yu/The Guardian

In a joint statement, 41 pro-government lawmakers condemn what they describe as “extremely radical and violent acts”, such as the occupying of roads and damaging the Legco building, the South China Morning Post reports.

“These extremely radical violent elements seriously undermined social order and peace. They did these deliberately, disrupted public order and challenged the rule of law. It is not what they call acts to show they love and cherish Hong Kong,” the statement reads.

“We sternly condemn their wrongdoings and appeal to the general public who love peace, and firmly believe in the core values of Hong Kong, to draw a line with them. Jointly send them a message that they cannot undermine social order.”

The legislators also say they are grateful to police for holding fast to their posts with professionalism and restraint.

The question is for how long police will tolerate that protesters have thus far ignored all warnings and continue to charge.

This from BuzzFeed’s Rosalind Adams:

Updated

Hong Kong protesters are not only protesting against the extradition law and leadership:

The latest statement from Hong Kong police goes:

“The HKSAR government strongly condemns and deeply regrets the extremely violent acts committed by some protesters who stormed the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex this afternoon (July 1), using a roll cage trolley as a ram and iron poles to shatter glass doors of the LegCo.

A government spokesman said Hong Kong is a society that respects the rule of law, and has never tolerated violence. Protesters who resort to violence must stop their acts immediately. The Police will take appropriate enforcement action to protect public order and safety.”

There is evidence that the government is trying to be restrained in their response to protesters.

Our reporter Christy Choi says there has been no sight of Special Tactical Squad police yet, a special force that was sent into tamer clashes on previous occasions.

So far, the authorities are sticking to verbal appeals.

Updated

Another protester, 32, who had his head and neck covered with a black scarf and gave his name as Alan, told Verna Yu: “Millions have come out to protest and the government ignored our requests. This [violence] is to give the government more pressure. We don’t know if it will work but we’re hoping to find a way to get the government to take us seriously. If it doesn’t work, we have nothing to lose. We’ve got to try it. What channel is there to make Carrie Lam listen to us? We want to show our determination to get what we need to get, whatever the cost is!”

Our reporter Verna Yu says more protesters are pouring into the vicinity of the Legislative Council building, filling the Tamar park and nearby areas, estimates there are thousands. The crowd is chanting “go!”, again, and is “rowdy and noisy”, she says.

The main protest march in downtown meanwhile seems to be perfectly peaceful.

Updated

An image from Hong Kong television showing a police officer with a “less leathal’ weapon
An image from Hong Kong television showing a police officer with a “less leathal’ weapon Photograph: Christy Choi/The Guardian

Protesters can now be seen entering the building.

Images of now green-vested riot police in formation inside the Legislative Council building are appearing on local live feeds. They carry rifles with the words “less lethal” on them, suggesting they are prepared to fire rubber bullets or bean bag rounds.

Updated

This from Bloomberg’s Fion Li:

This from Laura Warne from the South China Morning Post:

Protesters can now be seen stripping large metal poles away from the building facade, before passing them backwards through the crowd.

Updated

One young protester in his 20s, called Carl, told our reporter on the ground Verna Yu: “Everything that has happened is the outcome from the government ignoring us. They asked for it. No one wants to come out on a hot day like this. But if I don’t come out today HK will be finished!”

Riot police inside the Legislative Council building are now holding a red poster with the words “Stop charging or we use force” up from behind the windows.

This from the main protest march:

Protesters are still working on smashing through the building’s front, although it is not clear whether it is their intention to actually break in or whether they only seek to cause damage. Large wooden panels could be seen being carried through the crowd, one protester hurled a stone against one window, with minimal effect.

Riot police are moving inside the building, but so far they have let protesters carry on. Christy Choi says they are looking “antsy”.

Protesters are finding it hard to break through the glass completely, but have found a technique and now attack edges first, before tearing pieces of glass front away with their hands. Some members of the press on the ground can be seen climbing through holes in the buildings the protesters have made.

Riot police are now in motion, and can be seen running inside the fence.

The efforts of protesters are now frenzied, they are using metal shields and poles, tirelessly pounding into the building. Although the glass is pretty resilient, it has been smashed in various places.

Updated

The crowd is cheering on the frontline protesters hammering away at doors and windows and saying: “Go for it!”, Verna Yu reports from the scene.

Updated

Much of the action is masked by umbrellas.

Protesters have started pounding against the building’s glass front again. A metal barricade has been carried away by the crowd, and protesters are kicking it to make noise. More scenes of protesters hacking against other windows emerge on live footage.

After a period of relative calm, protesters are now rushing to the forecourt of the Legislative Council building, where riot police have got into formation a short while ago, inside the fence.

Updated

Despite sweltering heat at currently 33°, protesters are turning out in the third anti-extradition bill march in a month, albeit in smaller numbers so far it seems.

This from CNN International’s Julia Hollingsworth:

These are secenes from the main protest march taking place in Hong Kong today, tweeted a short while ago by local reporter Eric Cheung:

Protesters are now calmly surrounding the door, from which the lower half is now completely missing. Dozens of police in riot gear can be seen standing inside the building.

Shattered door at government building during Hong Kong protests
Shattered door at government building during Hong Kong protests Photograph: Verna Yu/The Guardian

Riot police inside the building can be seen putting helmets on and adjusting gear on live footage. Protesters have further damaged the door, but retreated again. There is a lot of shouting, and things seem to be getting more hectic.

Updated

A few moments ago, a protester resumed smashing into the already severely cracked glass door with what looked like a metal pole, then retreated again. Many protesters are shielding themselves with umbrellas from the cameras.

Our reporter on the ground Verna Yu says the crowd is getting fired up again with “Hong Kong people, go for it!” chants like earlier.

Here a picture from AFP:

Hello everyone, I’m taking over from my colleague Kate Lyons now.

Reuters have tweeted a video capturing dramatic scenes outside Hong Kong’s Legisalative Council building from earlier, showing protesters ramming a glass door with a metal trolley.

A short while ago loud, frantic ramming of the door could be heard again on local live footage, but right now things seem to have calmed down somewhat for the moment.

Summary

  • Pro-democracy protesters have attempted to storm the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong during a day when huge protests are expected across the city.
  • Protesters are using a metal trolley and metal bar to ram the glass doors of the building, while dozens of police officers stand inside the Legislative Council in full riot gear.
  • Pro-democracy lawmakers tried to stop the protesters by physically blocking the metal trolley. They were dragged away and tackled by other protesters. They report being beaten and injured in the struggle.
  • The protests come as Hong Kongers have taken to the streets for protests marking the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the former British colony to China.
  • Protesters were out from the early hours of Monday morning, blocking streets around key buildings, as Carrie Lam, the leader of Hong Kong, took part in a ceremony to mark the anniversary.
  • Police were involved in violent clashes with protesters, who report being beaten with batons and sprayed with pepper spray. Several people were taken away in ambulances.
  • Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s leader, attended a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China, which is traditionally held outdoors. This year it was held inside, ostensibly due to rain, but it is thought the protests may have also played a part.
  • In her speech Lam referred to the protests, saying they had made her realise “the need to grasp public sentiments accurately”. She also said: “I am also fully aware that while we have good intentions, we still need to be open and accommodating.”
  • The sanctioned protest started at 2:30pm local time. It was due to make its way through the city before ending at the entrance to the Legislative Council, but the path has had to be diverted due to the violence outside the building.

Updated

Verna Yu, on the ground at the site of the Legislative Council building protest, interviewed pro-democracy lawmaker Lam Cheuk-ting, who said that together with about five lawmakers, he was roughly handled by dozens of young protesters, some of whom punched him and pulled his arms when he was trying to stop them ramming the doors of the building with the metal trolley.

“They simply wouldn’t listen to me, the movement at large is peaceful, but some young people are overwhelmed by a strong sense of helplessness and they’re emotionally charged,” he said.

A rally was scheduled to leave from Victoria Park at 3pm, says Christy Choi, but the violence at the Legislative Council building looks set to disrupt that.

The United Civil Human Rights Front, the organisers, said the end of march would be diverted to Chater Garden, Central in the central business district of Hong Kong, given what’s happening at the legislature, which was the original destination of the march.

It’s unclear if police have approved the change of plan.
The force had earlier asked organisers if they could:
1. End the rally in Wanchai
2. Postpone the rally
3. Hold a gathering in Victoria Park.

The rally route runs just parallel to Harcourt road on the southern side of the government complex, where the legislature the protesters are trying to break into is located.

From what we can see the violence is limited to that one entrance, and as of now doesn’t look likely to spread to the rest of the rally – though this will be of concern to police and marchers alike.

The map below gives a sense of where all this is going on.

‘They were ramming for the sake of ramming,’ says pro-democracy politician

Civic Party politician Kwok Ka-ki (pictured here in June) is prevented by police from approaching Government House to join pro-democracy legislators demanding the Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam withdraw a controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong.
Civic Party politician Kwok Ka-ki (pictured here in June) is prevented by police from approaching Government House to join pro-democracy legislators demanding the Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam withdraw a controversial extradition bill in Hong Kong. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

Pro-democracy lawmaker Kwok Ka-ki, who was trying to stop protesters from ramming the Legislative Council entrance, who was roughly handled, spoke to Verna Yu, our reporter on the ground after he was forcibly pulled away from the entrance of the building:

“I was trying to reason with the young people, persuading them to stay peaceful. I told them if they’re convicted with a riot charge they could be sentence to ten years, but they said they didn’t care. I guess it is their choice.

“They were ramming for the sake of ramming.”

The protesters have managed to make a huge hole in the glass. The rest of the pane is holding, but they have done serious damage to the door.

Police are spraying protesters with liquid through the hole in the glass doors of the Legislative Council that protesters have made by repeatedly ramming them with a metal trolley and metal bar.

A flurry of umbrellas went up to protect protesters when the spray – most likely pepper spray – came out from inside the building, where dozens of armed police in full riot gear are waiting.

This group of protesters outside the Legislative Council building are just one group of protesters in Hong Kong today. There is an officially sanctioned march that is due to take place throughout the city today, that was meant to end at the Legislative Council building, but now looks like it will take a different route.

Protesters are shouting: “Release the righteous fighters!” and “Retract the evil law!” and are attaching more metal poles to the front of the trolley that they are using to ram into the glass doors of the building.

Police are still waiting inside the Legislative Council building holding a large red banner that warns protesters not to charge or police will use force.

Protesters have resumed smashing the glass door – confirmed from live footage and our reporter on the ground – using the metal recycling trolley.

There is a huge amount of noise and shouting, with the crowd shouting “Hong Kong people, go for it!” Things are very tense.

Updated

Apologies, we had up a post that said the group were beating the glass door with a pole again. That was actually from about half an hour ago, but was being rebroadcast and had been mistakenly captioned “live”.

Our reporter on the ground confirms that no one is beating the door now and we have taken that post down.

The lawmakers who are trying to stop the attempt to break into the council building are pushing back the metal recycling trolley that was being used to bash into the glass door.

Wu Chi Wai, chairman of the Democratic Party is refusing to let go of the trolley.

Our reporter Verna Yu is in front of the Legislative Council building, where protesters have gathered and in the last half an hour were attempting to storm the building, repeatedly smashing into the glass doors with a metal trolley and a metal pole.

She says the atmosphere is “very tense”.

Demonstrators have stopped trying to beat in the door, and it seems some among the protesters are trying to stop the group, including lawmakers Lam Cheuk Ting, Roy Kwong and Eddy Chu. Protesters are yelling at them and telling them to go away.

At one point the lawmakers resisted against the metal trolly used to smash against one of the legislature’s glass doors, using themselves as a human shield to prevent more damage to the building.

People restrained a man with a red helmet who was clinging to the same metal trolly, calling for calm. The lawmakers are repeating: “Don’t do it, don’t do it.”

They have been telling protesters to look at the policemen behind the glass. “What good will it do if they come out?”

Christy Choi reports that legislators from the pro-democracy camp and an independent lawmaker are standing between the protesters and the police.

Lawmaker Ted Hui told police not to come out to avoid further injuries.

It’s unclear how the standoff will be resolved, but some officers inside Legco have begun removing their helmets. Those in the front line, pressed up against the glass, have keep on full protective gear.

Independent lawmaker Eddie Chu is standing facing the police with two hands held up in the air. Legislators are using hand gestures, moving their hands downwards with open palms, to call for calm from both sides.

We’re seeing videos of deliveries of helmets and umbrellas arriving for the protesters and being passed to the front of the group, as well as barricades being moved toward the front of the group.

But the protesters seem to have stopped their attempts to break into the Legislative Council building for now.

The group are now standing up against the glass doors – rather than before, when the group had left a large gap in front of the door, that left room for the metal trolley to be pushed against the door. Some protesters at the front of the group are trying to talk to police through the glass.

It seems protesters have stopped ramming the glass doors for now, but there is still a large group of protesters standing outside the doors and a large group of police officers, in riot gear, standing on the other side of the glass door. It is tense.

Protesters try to break into the Legislative Council building where riot police are seen, during the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China in Hong Kong.
Protesters try to break into the Legislative Council building where riot police are seen, during the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China in Hong Kong. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Pro-democracy lawmakers have been trying to stop other protesters from attempting to break into the Legislative Council building.
Pro-democracy lawmakers have been trying to stop other protesters from attempting to break into the Legislative Council building. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Christy Choi, in Hong Kong, has sent this report:

A handful of protesters are ramming the glass door using a metal paper recycling trolly, cracking the glass on an entryway that lawmakers usually use to enter the legislative council building.

Lines of riot police are standing by right behind the glass panels. They’re holding up a red flag that says “stop charging or we use force”.

Civic Party’s Kwok Ka-ki and other Pan-democratic lawmakers were on site earlier asking both police and protesters not to resort to violence.

As today is a public holiday, no meetings are taking place. It’s unclear why the protesters are taking aim at the building.

Legislators Lok Yu Chung, Kwok Ka-ki and Fernando Cheung dressed in black have now come between the protesters and the building.

Updated

Police inside the Legislative Council building can be seen in footage bracing against the window with shields, as protesters gathered outside ram the glass door, which is cracked, with a metal trolley.

Some of the protesters are trying to stop the attempt to storm the building, standing in front of the trolley, but they are dragged away or tackled., when they try to stand int he way of the trolley.

Protesters try to break in to Legislative Council building

We’re seeing footage out of Hong Kong that shows protesters trying to break into the Legislative Council building.

It seems that a large group of protesters, holding umbrellas have gathered outside the Legislative Council building and are trying to break down the glass door of the building by ramming a metal trolley into it.

It seems that the group of protesters is divided about this tactic, with pro-democracy legislator Leung Yiu-chung trying to stand in the way of the trolley, before he was tackled by others in the group.

Updated

A very inflammatory image from the Hong Kong protests. Winnie the Pooh has become a lighthearted way for people across China to mock their president, Xi Jinping, who allegedly resembles the beloved bear.

In 2018, Chinese censors banned the release of Christopher Robin, a new film adaptation of AA Milne’s story about Winnie the Pooh, for fear of mocking the president.

Christy Choi in Hong Kong reports that Hong Kong police say 13 of their officers were injured and sent to hospital in this morning’s clashes.

They also told protesters to leave immediately, and warned the public to stay away from Wanchai and Admiralty for the time being.

It’s unclear how many protesters have been sent to hospital, though images on social media have shown several people being carried away on stretchers and treated by emergency services.

Public hospitals in recent weeks faced heavy criticism after media reported police were arresting protesters who had sought treatment for their injuries- on hospital premises.

The hospitals issued a statement after saying they would strictly protect patient confidentiality.

Lunchtime summary

  • Protesters have gathered in the streets of Hong Kong on the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the former British colony to China, where they were involved in tense standoffs with protesters, that occasionally turned violent.

  • There are traditionally both pro- and anti-China protests on 1 July, but this year the protesters are expected to be much bigger and more heated in light of the fact that the city is in the grip of its biggest political crisis in decades.

  • Protesters arrived in the early hours of the morning, carrying umbrellas and wearing masks. They have seized three key thoroughfares, deploying metal and plastic barriers to block the way.

  • Police were involved in violent clashes with protesters, who report being beaten with batons and sprayed with pepper spray. Several people were taken away in ambulances.

  • Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s leader, attended a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China, which is traditionally held outdoors. This year it was held inside, ostensibly due to rain, but it is thought the protests may have also played a part.

  • In her speech Lam referred to the protests, saying they had made her realise “the need to grasp public sentiments accurately”. She also said: “I am also fully aware that while we have good intentions, we still need to be open and accommodating.”

  • After the ceremony concluded, police retreated and the atmosphere in the streets became more relaxed.

  • The sanctioned protest is due to be held at 2:30 local time (in about three hours) and thousands are expected to take to the streets.

We’re going to pause the blog for now, but will kick things off again when action starts up again in the afternoon. Our full story is here.

Updated

Some of the protesters’ signs today.

Verna Yu reports that after the flag ceremony ended, police have retreated and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Protesters are digging up bricks from pavements today, to be used as weapons, our reporter on the ground Verna Yu reports.

Hong Kong protests in pictures

Protesters use umbrellas to defend themselves against police batons during a clash outside the Legislative Council Complex.
Protesters use umbrellas to defend themselves against police batons during a clash outside the Legislative Council Complex. Photograph: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Lawmaker Roy Kwong Chun-yu speaks to anti-extradition bill protesters during a demonstration on 1 July.
Lawmaker Roy Kwong Chun-yu speaks to anti-extradition bill protesters during a demonstration on 1 July. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Riot police and protesters face each other on Harcourt Road during the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China in Hong Kong.
Riot police and protesters face each other on Harcourt Road during the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China in Hong Kong. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters
Anti-extradition bill protesters stand behind a barricade during a demonstration.
Anti-extradition bill protesters stand behind a barricade during a demonstration. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Riot police stand guard as protesters block roads near the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, China.
Riot police stand guard as protesters block roads near the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, China. Photograph: Ritchie B Tongo/EPA
Anti-extradition bill protesters wear protective equipment during a demonstration.
Anti-extradition bill protesters wear protective equipment during a demonstration. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A protester who was pepper sprayed is detained.
A protester who was pepper sprayed is detained. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A protester wearing a yellow raincoat shouts and gestures at a barricade on Lung Wo road outside the government headquarters.
A protester wearing a yellow raincoat shouts and gestures at a barricade on Lung Wo road outside the government headquarters. Photograph: Vivek Prakash/AFP/Getty Images
An anti-extradition protester waves a black Hong Kong flag on a street outside the Legislative Council Complex.
An anti-extradition protester waves a black Hong Kong flag on a street outside the Legislative Council Complex. Photograph: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong have organized rallies over the past weeks, calling for the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill.
Pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong have organised rallies over the past weeks, calling for the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill. Photograph: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Thousands of pro-democracy protesters faced off with riot police on Monday during the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule.
Thousands of pro-democracy protesters faced off with riot police on Monday during the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule. Photograph: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A protester wearing a t-shirt with the words “Revolution” walks past writings the word “Long Live HK” in Hong Kong on Monday, July 1, 2019.
A protester wearing a t-shirt with the words “Revolution” walks past writings the word “Long Live HK” in Hong Kong on Monday, July 1, 2019. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

Virginia Lau at TicToc has curated these front pages of Hong Kong papers.

Updated

Verna Yu explains the significance of today’s ceremony, at which Carrie Lam spoke, being held indoors.

The handover anniversary ceremony, normally held at the Golden Bauhinia square, was moved indoors, apparently due to rain but also probably so that dignitaries would not be able to hear the loud protests outside the venue. Giant water-filled barriers have already been set up in the vicinity of Wanchai North, where the flag-raising ceremony and handover reception are held, but protesters got as near as possible and occupied several roads.

Protesters replaced the Chinese flag that is traditionally flown next to the Hong Kong flag with a black Hong Kong flag.
Protesters replaced the Chinese flag that is traditionally flown next to the Hong Kong flag with a black Hong Kong flag. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

Christy Choi reports that just outside the government offices in Admiralty protesters have replaced the Chinese flag with a black flag flying at two-third mast and lowered the Hong Kong flag to half-mast.

While Carrie Lam said she is wiling to open channels of discussion, reporters in Hong Kong are expressing disappointment after Lam left the ceremony without speaking to the press.

Earlier, lawmaker Helena Wong was led out by security after she yelled out for Carrie Lam to step down and withdraw the extradition bill.

Updated

Our reporter Verna Yu interviewed someone who was pepper sprayed this morning by police when he was among dozens of protesters advancing towards the police line. He said that police used batons to hit protesters, who defended themselves with umbrellas. Adding that protesters did not throw things.

Our reporter Verna Yu is out on the streets of Hong Kong. She says the atmosphere is tense on Tim Mei Avenue outside the Legislative Council. Hundreds protesters in black wearing hard hats, masks and goggles and holding umbrella in stand off with police in front of Citic building.

On Lung Wo Road, some protesters have dug up bricks and built make shift barricades from road side metal barriers.

Here’s more on Carrie Lam’s speech from Christy Choi.

In her speech marking the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, Chief Executive Carrie Lam offered an apology, saying she knew that the government has “a lot to improve.”

“This has made me fully realise that I, as a politician, have to remind myself all the time of the need to grasp public sentiments accurately,” she said.

“I am also fully aware that while we have good intentions, we still need to be open and accommodating. While the Government has to ensure administrative efficiency, it still needs to listen patiently.”

It was a very different tone to her defiant speech just weeks ago announcing the indefinite shelving of the controversial extradition bill.

She outlined a step-by-step plan to address the government’s deficiencies, and said her administration would make more time for meeting with individuals from different political parties, walks of life and backgrounds, and said she hoped for a “new start” for the city.

Carrie Lam strikes a conciliatory note in speech

Hong Kong’s leader says a series of protests that have rocked her city have taught her that she needs to listen better to the youth and people in general.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam struck a conciliatory note Monday at a ceremony marking the 22nd anniversary of the return of the former British colony to China.
She said she has to remind herself all the time of the need to grasp public sentiments and ensure the government’s work is closer to the aspirations of the people.

Security guards pushed a pro-democracy lawmaker out of the room as she shouted at Lam to resign.

Lam has come under criticism for pushing legislation that many saw as eroding Hong Kong’s freedoms as a semi-autonomous territory of China.

Our reporter Christy Choi says protesters and police are locked in a standoff.

Protesters have made a barricade against pepper spray and water cannons using umbrellas, and riot police are standing by.

The standoff has been going on for hours. Protesters began obstructing key roads around the convention centre just before 5am. Carrie Lam made her first public appearance since her apology at the convention centre in a ceremony to mark the handover of Hong Kong to China.

The crowd is estimated to be in the thousands. Demonstrators have brought objects to obstruct streets and have been at work dismantling public road barriers constructed by police to block roads.

As the Hong Kong and Chinese flags were being flown in by helicopter, protesters below gave them the finger. It’s unclear how the clashes might affect a planned march later today.

Updated

There are two groups protesting today. Pro-China, pro-government, pro-police protesters, began assembling in the city yesterday, to show their support for China on this important anniversary.

Our reporter, Verna Yu, has this account of their arrival in the city yesterday, where things got heated between this group and the anti-China protesters, who are largely dressed in black.

The pro-government protesters – mostly middle-aged and older people arriving on coaches – gathered at Tamar Park outside the Legislative Council and government headquarters from Sunday afternoon. Mostly dressed in blue and white, they waved Chinese national flags and placards with messages supporting the police, who have been under fire for their use of teargas and rubber bullets in anti-extradition protests.

Angry exchanges took place on both sides when pro- and anti-government protesters met. “We were completely besieged by thousands of them at one point. They were very emotional – it felt really dangerous,” said an anti-extradition protester who gave his name as Jim.

A number of journalists were spat at, had mud slung at them, and were kicked and insulted by protesters who accused them of being sympathetic to earlier anti-extradition protests.

A pro-democracy lawmaker, Lam Cheuk-ting, was surrounded by dozens of protesters on a walkway near the legislature, some of whom used umbrellas or placards to assault him and tried to snatch his mobile phone.

At the flag-raising ceremony to mark the anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China, Carrie Lam said Hong Kong benefited from China’s economic strength and celebrated the “affluence of the motherland and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong” with Chinese officials, including military officials, reports Verna Yu.

The Hong Kong government has issued this press release:

Police strongly condemn illegal acts in Admiralty

At about 4am this morning (July 1), a large number of protesters dashed onto Lung Wo Road, Tim Mei Avenue and Harcourt Road. They blocked the roads and obstructed traffic with mills barriers and sundries. At the same time, some protesters stole iron poles and bricks from nearby construction site and guard rails from nearby roads.

Some protesters also pried up bricks on Lung Wo Road and transported them towards Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Police strongly condemn these illegal acts and warn protesters not to throw bricks or charge Police cordon lines. Police appeal to protesters not to resort to violence, stop blocking roads and leave the scene as soon as possible.

Ends/Monday, July 1, 2019

Fears of violence as police clash with protesters

There are images coming through showing violent interactions between protesters and police. There are fears that today’s protests could turn violent.

The protests throughout June about the controversial extradition law have been largely peaceful, but on 12 June, the scene turned violent when police used rubber bullets, teargas, pepper spray and batons to disperse crowds and some protesters threw objects back at the police. Protesters have also surrounded the police headquarters twice in past weeks in noisy and emotionally charged protests in which young people spray-painted obscenities on its front wall and barricaded its entrances.

On Sunday, police set up giant water-filled barricades in anticipation of overnight rallies by anti-extradition protesters to lock down the area where the handover anniversary ceremony is to take place.

Tensions spiked as dawn rose on Monday after small groups of mainly young, masked protesters seized three key thoroughfares, deploying metal and plastic barriers to block the way. Rows of riot police with helmets and shields faced protesters on one of the streets but did not move against the barricades.

An injured protester is wheeled into an ambulance next to another injured protester (bottom L) near a flag-raising ceremony for the anniversary of Hong Kong handover to China in Hong Kong.
An injured protester is wheeled into an ambulance next to another injured protester (bottom L) near a flag-raising ceremony for the anniversary of Hong Kong handover to China in Hong Kong. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters
Police try to disperse protesters in Hong Kong.
Riot police try to disperse protesters on the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters
There are fears that today’s protests could turn violent.
There are fears that today’s protests could turn violent. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Protesters blocked several key streets in the city overnight, and are in a standoff with riot police.
Protesters blocked several key streets in the city overnight, and are in a standoff with riot police. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters

Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of today’s protests in Hong Kong.

It is a huge day for Hong Kong, which is marking the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the former British colony to China. There are traditionally both pro- and anti-China protests on 1 July, but this year the protesters are expected to be much bigger and more heated in light of the fact that the city is in the grip of its biggest political crisis in decades.

Protesters, mostly dressed in black, have already taken to Hong Kong’s streets, carrying umbrellas and wearing masks. They have seized three key thoroughfares, deploying metal and plastic barriers to block the way.

If huge crowds gather today, as expected, this will be Hong Kong’s fourth mass protest in a month against a controversial extradition law.

Millions have taken to the streets to protest against the proposed law allowing for the extradition of individuals for trial in mainland China, where the opaque court system is controlled by the Communist party.

We will bring you updates from the ground as they unfold.

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