Updated October 4th, 2019 at 21:47 IST

Hong Kong police shoots a teen protester for rioting and assaulting

A teen protestor was shot in the chest who was reportedly throwing bricks and rioting at the time he was wounded. He has been charged for assaulting the cops

Reported by: Bhavya Sukheja
| Image:self
Advertisement

Tsang Chi-kin also is known as Tony Tsang was allegedly shot at close range earlier this week by Hong Kong police this week. The 18-year-old protestor was shot in the chest and was reportedly throwing bricks and rioting at the time he was wounded. He apparently fought the cop with a white pole and has been charged for rioting and assaulting the police officer. According to the prosecutor Tsang was more violent than others who attended the rallies. A judge has allegedly set bail at HK$5000 and further banned Tsang from leaving the country. Many supporters also thanked the lawyer representing the 18-year-old, they also reportedly opened umbrella's to form a tunnel outside the court to shield the identity of other arrested protesters who appeared in court. One of the protesters also claimed the police used to destroy things but shooting Tsang was completely unnecessary. 

READ: Hong Kong Leader Bans Masks In Attempt To Stop Pro-democracy Protests

Dramatic escalation

During multiple protests, the police officials have fired warning shots in the air, however, this is the first time reports of a protester being shot is being known. In the dramatic escalation of protests that took place on Tuesday, officers also drew their weapons including the ones who pointed pistols with blood on their faces. These protests also happened during the same time as the Chinese communist leaders celebrated 70 years of their rule with a grand military parade. Hong Kong Chief Executive, Carrie Lam along with a delegation of Hong Kong officials and dignitaries were also a part of the massive celebrations. 

READ: Hong Kong Police Slammed As ‘trigger-happy’ After Teen Shooting

Meanwhile, thousands of people rallied on the streets across the city as the largest number of simultaneous protests since the demonstrations began in June. The protesters fear that Hong Kong's freedom and other citizen rights are being violated. The movement which started due to the fear has now developed into an anti-Chinese campaign with demands of direct elections. The protesters want to choose their city's leader and hold police accountable for their actions.

(With inputs from AP)

READ: Protests Break Out In Hong Kong On China's National Day, 1 Shot

READ: Hong Kong: Anti-Beijing Protester Shot In Chest On China National Day

Advertisement

Published October 4th, 2019 at 20:32 IST