Dozens of anti-govt protesters detained in HK

Hong Kong, June 13 (IANS) Police in Hong Kong detained dozens of anti-government protesters as hundreds defied a health ban against large gatherings across the city to mark the June 12 anniversary of the first major clashes that launched last years social unrest, it was reported on Saturday.

Ignoring social-distancing rules imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrators hit the streets on Friday night despite police warning they risked arrest for unauthorised assembly and could face five years in jail, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

The protesters sang the anthem of the protest movement, "Glory to Hong Kong", and chanted slogans.

As of Saturday morning, the police said that 43 people – 28 men and 15 women – had been arrested over offences such as wounding, taking part in an unauthorised assembly, misconduct in a public place and possession of offensive weapons.

On June 12, 2019 trouble flared outside the Legislative Council after tens of thousands gathered there to demand the withdrawal of an extradition bill that would have allowed fugitives to be sent to mainland China and other jurisdictions with which Hong Kong has no transfer arrangement.

The clashes marked a turning point for the movement, and the unrest has not died down even after the withdrawal of the bill.