Hong Kong Protests: Council Delays Debate on Extradition Law

By The New York TimesRight Now“I have never felt a guilty conscience over this,” Hong Kong’s chief executive said about a proposed law that sparked riots in an interview that aired on local television.Riot police turned downtown Hong Kong into a tear-gas covered battlefield as they pushed back against protesters who tried to storm Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. So much tear gas was used that commuters at nearby subway stations and people in shopping malls were coughing and tearing up, and many sought medical attention.Hong Kong’s commissioner of police described Wednesday’s demonstrations as “riots” and called on protesters to go home, warning that those who refused “might regret your decision for your entire life.”The remarks by Commissioner Stephen Lo at a news conference came moments after protesters stormed police barricades outside the Legislative Council, leading to the use of tear gas, beanbag rounds and rubber bullets. Pepper sprayand tear gas were fired at them.Surrounded by protesters.Blockedby policeAt least eight rounds oftear gas were fired.Harcourt Rd.GovernmentheadquartersADMIRALTY500 FEETAreas occupied by protestersAreas closed by policeHong KongPolice cleared a row ofdemonstrators staging asit-in at Hong Kong Station.ADMIRALTYVictoria HarbourProtesters blockedthe tunnel exits.CENTRALProtesters took over Tim Wa Ave.in the afternoon.