Hong Kong police supporters turn out in force to counter extradition bill protests, but clash with rivals and assault journalists
- Organisers say 165,000 join counter protest – police put number at 53,000
- Multiple confrontations reported, as well as abuse and harassment of journalists
Tens of thousands of government supporters took to the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, marching to counter opponents of the now-suspended extradition bill and to show solidarity with the city’s embattled police force.
Organisers put the turnout at government headquarters at 165,000 on the eve of the July 1 anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China, for which officials have scaled back celebrations and locked down the venue to head off protesters still demanding the complete withdrawal of the unpopular bill.
The police estimate was lower at 53,000 during the peak, as demonstrators gathered in the afternoon at Tamar Park, near the city’s administrative and legislative centre, chanting slogans and waving placards backing police over their handling of protests over the past weeks.
Some were waving China’s national flag and shouting support for the bill and the government’s failed push to have it fast-tracked through the legislature.
They condemned an ongoing hate campaign against frontline officers by those accusing them of using excessive force during clashes with protesters on June 12, and thanked them for showing restraint when their headquarters came under siege twice in a week.
