On Friday things hotted up. After a peaceful week of protest there were clashes, especially at Mong Kok between anti-Occupy and the young protesters. Some of those who set upon the occupants had Triad backgrounds, others were irate tradesmen who were angry at the loss of trade and locals irate at the disruption.
As always rumours abounded: that one of those who had attacked the demonstrators was a policeman; that the police had collaborated with the Triads; that the man who threatened to jump off a walkway because his daughters could not attend school because of the boycott was in fact a stunt artist which had been paid to perform; that the police had stood by while an anti protester had groped a female student shouting for help — well, who knows but probably not true any of them.
Officials and politicians called on the students to open up the blocked roads. By Monday there were far fewer protesters; many had pulled back while other stood fast; civil servants were back at work and many schools reopened. Meanwhile the student protest organisation were holding preliminary talks with officials prior to meeting Chief Secretary, Carrie Lam.
As a columnist in SCMP argued, in the long run the effect on HK’ economy would be minimal and the prophets of doom were simply making propaganda. Meanwhile Beijing was adamant. The protests were illegal and would gain nothing.
The People’s Liberation Army has barracks next door to the HK government offices. No movement there. No need. It is a war of attrition. Beijing can afford to wait.
As always rumours abounded: that one of those who had attacked the demonstrators was a policeman; that the police had collaborated with the Triads; that the man who threatened to jump off a walkway because his daughters could not attend school because of the boycott was in fact a stunt artist which had been paid to perform; that the police had stood by while an anti protester had groped a female student shouting for help — well, who knows but probably not true any of them.
Officials and politicians called on the students to open up the blocked roads. By Monday there were far fewer protesters; many had pulled back while other stood fast; civil servants were back at work and many schools reopened. Meanwhile the student protest organisation were holding preliminary talks with officials prior to meeting Chief Secretary, Carrie Lam.
As a columnist in SCMP argued, in the long run the effect on HK’ economy would be minimal and the prophets of doom were simply making propaganda. Meanwhile Beijing was adamant. The protests were illegal and would gain nothing.
The People’s Liberation Army has barracks next door to the HK government offices. No movement there. No need. It is a war of attrition. Beijing can afford to wait.