Protests disrupt city's stability and operations

Disruption

Hong Kong's social disorder worsened in July, as people assembled unlawfully or launched more demonstrations in various districts. Violence spread, affecting the normal lives of residents.

· On July 6, disputes broke out in Tuen Mun district between protesters and residents. Residents were besieged, beaten and kicked by radicals. Protesters occupied roads and besieged Tuen Mun police station.

· On July 7, protesters organized another demonstration in Kowloon, leading to a 50 percent plunge in passengers through the West Kowloon high-speed train station, compared with an average weekend. Only 31,000 passengers traveled through the station on that day. After the demonstration, some radical protesters illegally blocked roads in Tsim Sha Tsui, forcing most shops to close early.

· On July 13, a demonstration in Sheung Shui district ended with violent clashes with the police. A few radical protesters blocked main roads, beat and attacked police officers with umbrellas, iron bars, suspected toxic powders and corrosive liquids. At least 16 police officers were injured. At night, the protesters continued to sabotage stores in the district. The police then launched a clearance operation in accordance with the law.

· On July 14, some protesters removed a roadside fence in Sha Tin district to block roads, sharpened bamboo branches as weapons, and hurled bricks, umbrellas and other debris at police officers from high buildings. Fierce clashes broke out at New Town Plaza, injuring at least 10 police officers. An officer in plain clothes was attacked by a mob. Some officers were left with facial fractures. One police officer's finger was bitten off.

· On July 27, though the Hong Kong police had issued a notice of objection, some people assembled illegally in Yuen Long district. A group of radical protesters illegally cut off traffic, besieged police vehicles, smashed car windows and smeared cars with insulting words. Police officers were deployed at the village entrance to prevent conflict between protesters and villagers. Several radical protesters also besieged the Yuen Long police station, forcing the report room to suspend service. Opposition lawmakers were once again present to support the violent acts.

· On July 28, a number of radical protesters carried out illegal demonstrations in the central and western parts of Hong Kong Island, seriously hindering traffic. They dug up sidewalk slabs, destroyed street signs and lampposts, set fires on multiple roads and charged police lines. Violence escalated, as some people carried weapons such as bows and arrows and petrol bombs.