Hong Kong: Tear gas fired as thousands protest new security law

Hong Kong police fired tear gas on Sunday to disperse anti-government protesters as thousands took to the streets to oppose Beijing's proposal to impose new security laws on the city.

Black-clad protesters were seen chanting pro-democracy slogans in the city's busy shopping districts of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, demanding "Liberate Hong Kong,'' "Stand with Hong Kong" and "Revolution of our times."

Police fired tear gas after they had warned the crowds with loudspeakers that large gatherings were unlawful amid the coronavirus pandemic and that they should disperse. The unrest comes two days after Beijing unveiled proposals to strengthen "enforcement mechanisms" in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory. Many Hong Kongers view the new proposed national security law as an additional threat to civil liberties and the end of the "one country, two systems" principle.