WATCH: Hong Kong protesters beaten and bloodied as thugs attack sit-in

Pro-democracy leaders call off talks with government and accuse police of sending triads against Occupy Central rally (Guardian) Thugs punched and kicked pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong on Friday night, shedding blood as they tore down demonstrators’ tents and attempted to forced them out. Student leaders called off talks with the government – offered the previous night – accusing officials of allowing violence to be used against them. It dashed the hopes of a resolution to a mass movement that saw tens of thousands take to the streets of the city at its height. The veteran democracy activist Martin Lee and Occupy Central leader Benny Tai blamed triads for the violence in Mong Kok, a densely populated area also popular with shoppers. The area is known for its gang presence. Lee told the South China Morning Post: “It was very ugly in Mong Kok, clearly the anti-Occupy people deliberately caused a scene and created trouble, giving police an excuse.” He alleged: “Because of the presence of the international press, the police won’t use teargas again to throw the people away. So they use these triad society members to create a scene and threaten the people. We are peace-loving and we are getting injured.” Tearful and bleeding students were escorted from the junction of Argyle and Nathan roads by police as a crowd of thousands jeered and a number of men lashed out at them. More than a hundred protesters stood firm, linking arms to protect more vulnerable members of the crowd sheltering beneath their remaining tent, despite appeals from protest leaders to leave the scene for their own safety. Demonstrators were already angry that Leung Chun-ying had not resigned as chief executive and had little faith in the promise of dialogue bringing changes. One used a microphone to tell police they would only leave after officers cleared the crowd. “I am frightened, but we have to stand up to fight for our beliefs and our city,” said another. The area had already seen angry confrontations between protesters and residents who said the occupation had disrupted their lives and damaged business – reflected in the large number of bystanders yelling at the remaining demonstrators. “We are in China. If you don’t like it go away. This is the fucking motherland,” said a middle-aged member of the crowd who gave his name as CL Fu. He said he was a resident and was angry about the disruption caused by the inconvenience. “Of course we love China but we are worried about damage to Hong Kong economics. That’s why we’re here,” he added.




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