In Hong Kong, police use tear gas and pepper pellets to disperse demonstrators in the city’s financial centre. Hundreds of people have also been arrested.
The protesters come together to express their dissatisfaction with China’s growing influence over Hong Kong, more specifically a law imposing penalties for disrespect for China’s national anthem.
A three-year prison sentence and a fine of up to almost 6,000 euros for anyone who shows no respect for the Chinese national anthem.
This is stated in a new bill from the LegCo or Legislative Council, the “parliament” of the autonomous region of Hong Kong.
In addition, all youth in primary and secondary schools should learn and sing that national anthem, as is the case in China.