Hong Kong International Airport experienced a second consecutive day of massive anti-government protests, bringing one of Asia's busiest transport hubs to a standstill. Thousands of demonstrators flooded terminal buildings, leading to flight cancellations and scuffles. Riot police arrived shortly before midnight on Monday to confront the crowds.
At least three men were mobbed inside the airport by protesters, who claimed they were holding identity cards showing they were police officers from mainland China. Hong Kong police have admitted deploying officers disguised as anti-government protesters during the unrest. However, the editor of China's Global Times newspaper said one of those attacked was a reporter.
The protests, which began 10 weeks ago over a now-suspended extradition bill, have evolved into a broader pro-democracy movement. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam warned that the city had reached a dangerous situation and that violence would push it down a path of no return. Chinese state media published images of military police gathering in the border city of Shenzhen.
On Tuesday, protesters used luggage trolleys to build barriers and staged a mass sit-down in the departures area. Airport officials suspended all check-in from 16:30 local time, advising passengers to leave the terminal. The Airport Authority later obtained an injunction to restrain protesters from obstructing operations.
Some protesters held signs apologising to passengers for the inconvenience, while others wore eye bandages in solidarity with an injured protester. Sporadic clashes occurred between police and protesters outside the terminal, with police using pepper spray and one officer drawing his gun after being attacked with his own truncheon.
