A group of protesters in Hong Kong has taken over the legislative chamber, spray painting slogans on the wall and over the territory’s emblem.
Some stood on the desks of politicians while others climbed up to leave their messages on the soaring wooden wall.
Police appear to have retreated to avoid a confrontation, giving the protesters the run of the building.
They smashed and tore down portraits of legislative leaders after prying open metal gates to gain access.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of others marched through the city to demand expanded democracy on the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China.
The protesters say the Hong Kong government is not responding to their demands for a full withdrawal of contentious extradition legislation and the resignation of city leader Carrie Lam.
Frustration among protesters in Hong Kong earlier boiled over, with one group attacking the legislative building and tens of thousands of others marching through the city to demand expanded democracy on the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China.
Black-clad protesters wearing hard hats and face masks smashed a large hole through the bottom of a floor-to-ceiling window at the legislature in the early afternoon of Monday.
They repeatedly rammed a cargo cart and large poles into the glass while police with riot shields lined up inside to prevent anyone from entering.
Officers grabbed the cart after it became wedged in the broken glass and repelled the protesters with pepper spray.
Five hours later, protesters smashed more windows and dismantled a towering metal grate protecting a section of the building, which was ordered closed and workers sent home.
You may also like
France President Macron Says Russia Must Answer For War Crimes In Bucha Ukraine
Seven Countries Jointly Call On Taliban To Ensure Rights
Two Russian soldiers killed and 28 ill ‘after being given poisoned food by Ukrainian civilians’
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Gains extra $915 million to his wealth in Q1 2022
British ‘Tinder Swindler’ pleads guilty after woman scammed of £157,000