Around a hundred Hong Kong protesters surrounded a police station on Friday night for the second consecutive evening in support of eight people who were arrested, including pro-independence activist Andy Chan who was arrested on Thursday night on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons. The eight are being held in Ma On Shan Police Station and – as of Friday – had yet been bailed or taken to court.

Hong Kong riot police entered a private residential building as they dispersed the crowd.

Protesters graffitied the walls of the station with slogans such as “liberate Hong Kong, the revolution of our times” and “all consequences are at your own risk” – a reference to Wednesday’s People’s Liberation Army promotional video which showed an apparent crackdown against protesters.

The clearance by riot place commenced at around 10:45pm. They briefly entered the lobby of Park Belvedere – a private residence – after a protester inside shouted at police not to use force, reported Apple Daily.

Police also reportedly fired what appeared to be pepper bombs onto a nearby bridge, leaving visible stains.

Some protesters returned to surround the police station after the officers retreated.

Stains left behind by alleged pepper bombs. Photo: RTHK screenshot.

Over the past week, demonstrators have also encircled police stations in Kwai Chung and Tin Shui Wai in support of arrested protesters held inside.

On Saturday, a march will be held from Anchor Street Playground to Cherry Street Park in Tai Kok Tsui, after organisers succeeded in appealing the police’s initial decision only to allow a static rally.

Marches in Tseung Kwan O and Sai Wan are planned on Sunday afternoon – although police have only approved a rally for the latter event.

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Elson Tong

Elson Tong is a graduate of international relations and former investigations consultant. He has also written for Stand News.