Hung Hom protesters vent off steam at police

Hung Hom protesters vent off steam at police

The march attained a colourful look as umbrellas opened. Photo: RTHK

Banners marked some areas as private property and asked police to stay away from them. Photo: RTHK

One dog owner who had brought along his pet was careful enough to provide a face mask around it. Photo: RTHK

The anti-extradition rally kicked off from Hoi Sham Park in To Kwa Wan soon after the scheduled time of 3.30pm and many vented their anger at police officers who were present near the park.



Some protesters surrounded a few officers who were present there and chanted “Bad cops!” and “Police know the law and break the law!”



One of the marchers, who gave his name as Tom, said the public has generally lost faith in police.



"The use [excessive] force, they arrest the protesters as undercover," he said. "No more trust."



That sentiment was reflected in some of the banners that appeared in the area too. banners with words saying 'private property" and asking police to stay off appeared along the march route.



Most of the chants were the ones that were heard in similar rallies before. But a new one that seemed to pop up was "See you at on August 18 at Victoria Park". The Civil Human Rights Front is organising a mass rally on Sunday there.



But the general atmosphere was peaceful with a fair sprinkling of parents who had brought along their children. An odd pet or two was also noticed among the crowd. One dog owner who had brought along his pet was careful enough to have a face mask around it even.



One mother, Law, had brought along three of her children, aged two, eight and ten, said that the government wants the public to be afraid and not to go out. She said people shouldn't be scared and only fearless people deserve democracy.



She is also not worried about any problems on Saturday, because the march has obtained the police's notice of no objection.



One father who had brought along his 10-year-old son said he hopes to let his son know what is happening in the society. He also said he expects the march will be peaceful.



If there are other activities after the march, he will not participate, he said.