Hong Kong police use tear gas against protesters

Hong Kong police have used tear gas against protesters on Saturday as they occupied Tsim Sha Tsui shopping district, according to media reports. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters rallied through the streets for expanded democratic rights and autonomy.

Earlier, several pro-democracy protesters removed a Chinese national flag from a pole and threw it into the iconic Victoria Harbour. Others established roadblocks at a major tunnel and nearby road.

Groups rallied in the Mong Kok district before starting their march, with some donning protective clothing. Opposition groups plan further demonstrations on Sunday, and a city-wide strike on Monday.

Two months of demonstrations sparked by a controversial extradition bill show no signs of abating, with both sides hardening their stance. Although the government has now suspended the bill, which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, demonstrators want the bill fully withdrawn. Their demands have broadened to include calls for more democracy and for Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam to resign.