Hong Kong police fire pepper pellets at anthem protesters

Police in Hong Kong have fired pepper pellets at protesters as members of parliament gather to debate a bill that would criminalise insulting China’s national anthem.

Small protests were taking place in several locations, and dozens of people have been arrested.

The second reading of the bill comes amid high anti-mainland sentiment.

Days ago, china also proposed implementing a controversial national security law, which triggered a burst of unrest.

Critics say that bill is a direct attempt to curtail the city’s unique freedoms.