Thousands back on Hong Kong streets to keep up pressure

Tens of thousands of people have again rallied in Hong Kong, in their latest effort to grow their protest movement against what they see as mainland China’s growing influence on the territory.

Demonstrators marched in Sha Tin, a suburban area near the border that is popular with mainland Chinese shoppers, as the rallies move outwards from the heart of the financial centre into surrounding neighbourhoods.

The protesters are speaking out against what they call creeping authoritarianism, threats to the way of life in Hong Kong.”

There were clashes between police and some protesters, with riot police using pepper spray and batons against small crowds who took over a road on the sidelines of the rally.

Masked protesters responded by building barricades from metal fencing and a standoff with riot police ensued.