Hong Kong protesters removed a Chinese national flag from its pole and flung it into the city's iconic Victoria Harbour on Saturday after a pro-democracy rally once again continued into the evening despite police warnings to stick to a short, pre-approved route.
Tens of thousands of black-clad protesters filled a major road in a usually bustling market district where shop owners had shuttered their storefronts in anticipation of a prolonged demonstration.
They also blocked a tunnel and surrounded police stations where non-emergency services were suspended.
The protest was the latest in a summer-long pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory. While the rallies have been largely peaceful, they have increasingly devolved into skirmishes with police after some protesters refused to disperse at assigned times.
Since the rallies began in early June, protesters have vandalised buildings and thrown bricks, while police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets.
In a separate demonstration on Saturday, thousands of people dressed in white gathered at a Hong Kong park to express their support for the police.
They held up signs that read "Give Peace a Chance."
Shortly afterward, a 38-year-old protester named Paladin Cheng planted himself beside the poles with his own set of flags, which read "Hong Kong Independence."
"We're losing our freedom little by little," said Cheng, who was clad in head-to-toe black with a black visor and face mask. "Those who don't support Hong Kong independence will have no choice but to become Chinese."
"I feel so hurt," Chau said. "Why doesn't the government answer to us?"
"Some things have gone too far," Wai said. "Hong Kong's future belongs to all of us. We need to keep it safe."
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