More than 50,000 people rallied in support of the Hong Kong police yesterday as the semi-autonomous territory braced for another day of protests on the anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China.
The crowd filled a park in front of the legislature and chanted “Thank you” to the police, who have been criticized for using tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes with demonstrators that left dozens injured on June 12. Some carried Chinese flags. Police estimated the turnout at 53,000.
A protest march has been called for today, the third in three weeks, this one on the 22nd anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China on July 1, 1997.
Police have erected tall barriers and shut off access to Golden Bauhinia Square, where the flag-raising will be held, to prevent protesters from massing there overnight.
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